Isothermal sample imaging system compatible with magnetic resonance imaging platform

By designing a temperature-controlled sample imaging system compatible with a magnetic resonance imaging platform, and utilizing airflow heating and temperature probe monitoring, the problem of temperature control in magnetic resonance imaging systems has been solved, achieving rapid and uniform temperature control. This system is suitable for magnetic resonance scanners used in humans and small animals, and improves imaging quality.

CN116148737BActive Publication Date: 2025-12-02TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202310148105.0
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-02-22
Publication Date
2025-12-02
Estimated Expiration
2043-02-22

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing magnetic resonance imaging systems face difficulties in maintaining constant temperature heating, especially in horizontal field, large-aperture magnetic resonance imaging systems. Traditional heating and temperature control systems cannot be placed inside the magnet chamber, leading to difficulties in rapid heat conduction and temperature measurement. At the same time, there are problems of temperature non-uniformity and magnetic field non-uniformity, which affect the imaging quality.

Method used

A magnetic resonance imaging platform-compatible isothermal sample imaging system was designed, including a magnetic resonance-compatible temperature monitoring module, a temperature measurement module, a gas supply heating module, and a sample placement module. The system uses airflow as a heat source for cyclic heating, and combines a temperature probe and a thermistor to achieve real-time temperature monitoring and control. A thermal insulation layer is used to maintain temperature uniformity and avoid magnetic field interference.

Benefits of technology

It achieves rapid and uniform isothermal heating in magnetic resonance imaging systems, reduces flow artifacts, ensures imaging quality, and is applicable to magnetic resonance scanners for humans and small animals, providing precise temperature control and high-throughput imaging capabilities for multiple samples.

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Abstract

This invention relates to a temperature-controlled sample imaging system compatible with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) platforms, comprising an MRI-compatible temperature monitoring module, a temperature measurement module, a gas supply and heating module, and a sample placement module. The temperature measurement module is located within the sample placement module and measures the temperature within the module. The gas supply and heating module is connected to both the sample placement module and the temperature measurement module, supplying gas to the sample placement module, monitoring the gas temperature, and heating the gas. The MRI-compatible temperature monitoring module is connected to the temperature measurement module and displays the temperature value measured by the temperature measurement module and controls the temperature of the gas supply and heating module. This invention enables a wide-field MRI scanner suitable for clinical and small animal applications, allowing for MRI molecular metabolic imaging of phantoms and samples. Compared to water bath heating, the circulating airflow as a heat source does not produce flow artifacts in MRI.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of imaging equipment accessories for hospitals and research institutions, specifically to a temperature-controlled sample imaging system compatible with wide-field magnetic resonance imaging platforms for humans or small animals. Background Technology

[0002] Magnetic resonance molecular metabolic imaging technology has developed rapidly in recent years, adding more fundamental molecular metabolic information to traditional structural and functional imaging. Many signals in magnetic resonance molecular images vary with the temperature of the measurement point, including but not limited to the longitudinal and transverse relaxation times (T1, T2) of contrast agents, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMRS), chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST), and amide proton transfer (APT). For example, CEST signals are extremely sensitive to temperature; the peak shape and height of CEST spectra for various metabolites differ significantly between room temperature (21°C) and body temperature (37°C). In magnetic resonance instrument calibration, imaging quality control, and research, precise measurements and parameter calibration of phantoms, imaging contrast agents or probes, as well as molecular, cellular, and tissue samples are required, often necessitating the simulation of a constant temperature environment of 37°C for in vivo imaging.

[0003] However, a temperature-controlled sample imaging system suitable for horizontal field, large-aperture magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems is still lacking. This type of system faces two main technical challenges: First, the magnet chamber (i.e., the measurement chamber) of an MRI system requires a strictly magnetically compatible environment. Traditional heating and temperature control systems cannot be placed inside the magnet chamber and must be placed in an operating room or control room where magnetic compatibility is not required. In this case, such a temperature-controlled sample imaging system faces two technical challenges: how to achieve rapid heat conduction when the heater is several meters away from the sample acquisition location in the magnet chamber, and how to accurately measure the temperature within the sample chamber. Second, MRI sample imaging requires good temperature and magnetic field uniformity within the imaging area, avoiding image artifacts caused by liquid flow and magnetic field inhomogeneity, while minimizing the impact on the measurement coil temperature and providing a safe, temperature-controlled environment capable of acquiring data for several hours.

[0004] Therefore, a temperature-controlled sample imaging system compatible with magnetic resonance imaging platforms is needed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a temperature-controlled sample imaging system compatible with a magnetic resonance imaging platform, in order to solve the problem of difficulty in maintaining a constant temperature in magnetic resonance imaging systems as described in the background art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A magnetic resonance imaging platform compatible isothermal sample imaging system includes a magnetic resonance compatible temperature monitoring module, a temperature measurement module, a gas supply heating module, and a sample placement module.

[0008] The magnetic resonance compatible temperature monitoring module is connected to the temperature measurement module. The magnetic resonance compatible temperature monitoring module is used to display the temperature value measured by the temperature measurement module and to control the temperature of the sample placement module and the gas supply heating module.

[0009] The temperature measurement module is installed inside the sample placement module, and the temperature measurement module is used to measure the temperature inside the sample placement module.

[0010] The gas supply and heating module is connected to the sample placement module and the temperature measurement module respectively. The gas supply and heating module is used to supply gas to the sample placement module to heat the sample placement module. The gas supply and heating module is also used to monitor the gas temperature at the gas outlet and heat the gas.

[0011] The sample placement module is disposed inside the coil of the magnetic resonance imaging system. The sample placement module includes a sample box and a heat insulation layer. The sample box is provided with an air inlet and an air outlet for gas heat conduction. The heat insulation layer wraps around the outside of the sample box. The heat insulation layer can prevent the heat of the sample box from leaking outward, so as to achieve a constant temperature environment inside the sample box. It also prevents the heat of the sample box from increasing the measurement noise of the coil and affecting the imaging effect of the coil. In addition, the heat insulation layer can provide a fixed support so that the sample box is placed stably and remains stationary inside the coil.

[0012] The magnetic resonance imaging platform-compatible isothermal sample imaging system, preferably, includes a temperature measurement module comprising a temperature probe, a thermistor, and a first photoelectric converter. The temperature probe is disposed inside the sample chamber, the temperature probe is connected to the thermistor, the thermistor is connected to the first photoelectric converter, and the thermistor is also connected to the magnetic resonance-compatible temperature monitoring module.

[0013] The magnetic resonance imaging platform-compatible isothermal sample imaging system, preferably, includes a magnetic resonance-compatible temperature monitoring module comprising a second photoelectric converter, a controller, a microcontroller, a temperature controller, and a display. The thermistor is connected to the controller via the second photoelectric converter, the controller is connected to the display via the microcontroller, the thermistor and the temperature controller are connected via the first photoelectric converter, and the temperature controller is connected to the gas supply heating module.

[0014] The magnetic resonance imaging platform-compatible isothermal sample imaging system, preferably, includes a gas supply and heating module comprising a gas pump, a heating device, a gas guide tube, and a temperature sensor. The gas pump outlet, the heating device, and the sample chamber are respectively connected through the gas guide tube. The gas guide tube is wrapped with the insulation layer. The gas pump outlet is equipped with the temperature sensor. The heating device is connected to the temperature controller.

[0015] The magnetic resonance imaging platform-compatible isothermal sample imaging system, preferably, includes a sample chamber comprising a chamber body and a lid, wherein the lid is detachably mounted on the chamber body, and the chamber body and the lid, when combined, can be placed and fixed inside the coil of the magnetic resonance imaging system. The lid is provided with an air inlet, which is connected to the gas supply and heating module through the air guide pipe. The temperature probe is inserted into the chamber body to realize real-time acquisition of the temperature of the air inside the chamber body. The chamber body is provided with an air outlet.

[0016] The magnetic resonance imaging platform is compatible with a constant temperature sample imaging system. Preferably, the box is rectangular, the lid is placed on the box, the box opening faces upward and the bottom is parallel to the ground, and the box is equipped with a sample holder and sample tubes.

[0017] The magnetic resonance imaging platform is compatible with a constant temperature sample imaging system, preferably wherein the chamber is cylindrical, the lid is screwed onto the chamber to prevent liquid leakage from inside the chamber, and the long side of the cylindrical chamber is placed horizontally to the ground to increase space utilization and enable high-throughput imaging of multiple samples.

[0018] In the magnetic resonance imaging platform-compatible isothermal sample imaging system, preferably, the air guide tube is segmented, with one segment connected to the air pump and the heating device respectively, and then connected to the air inlet to realize the air intake of the box, and the other segment connected to the air outlet to realize the air exhaust of the box.

[0019] In the magnetic resonance imaging platform-compatible isothermal sample imaging system, preferably, the gas guide tube is a single piece. After the gas guide tube is connected to the air pump and the heating device, the gas guide tube enters the box from the air inlet and exits from the air outlet. In addition to the gas guide tube set in the box, the outer surface of the gas guide tube used to connect the air pump, the heating device and the air inlet, and the outer surface of the gas guide tube extending from the air outlet are wrapped with the heat insulation layer.

[0020] The magnetic resonance imaging platform is compatible with a constant-temperature sample imaging system. Preferably, the chamber can be filled with different types of liquid media, including but not limited to one or more of perfluoropolyether lubricating oil, water, agarose, gel-like semi-solid media, and formalin-like sample fixation solutions, to reduce magnetic susceptibility artifacts, increase radio frequency field uniformity and signal-to-noise ratio, and simulate living biological tissue.

[0021] The present invention has the following advantages due to the adoption of the above technical solutions:

[0022] 1. Compared to water bath heating, airflow circulation as a heat source does not produce flow artifacts in magnetic resonance imaging;

[0023] 2. The temperature probe and thermistor are used together. When the real-time resistance value changes, the current flowing through the resistor changes in real time. The real-time change in current is transmitted to the magnetic resonance compatible temperature monitoring module and temperature measurement module. The response is sensitive, and automatic monitoring and display can be realized. At the same time, it can safely control the temperature. If the output airflow temperature is higher than the preset temperature, the heating device will automatically shut down.

[0024] 3. The gas supply heating module includes a gas pump, a heating device and a temperature sensor. The heating device uses a resistance wire, which heats up quickly and has a flexible temperature range. The temperature sensor can monitor the temperature of the gas supply. After power-on, when the gas supply temperature is detected to be lower than the set temperature, the heating function of the heating device will be automatically activated.

[0025] 4. The chamber can be filled with perfluoropolyether lubricating oil, agarose, and gel-like semi-solid media to eliminate magnetic susceptibility artifacts, which is more conducive to EPI and other gradient echo imaging.

[0026] This invention enables a wide-field magnetic resonance scanner suitable for clinical and small animal applications, capable of performing magnetic resonance molecular metabolic imaging of phantoms and samples. The selection of the isothermal heating medium and the reasonable device installation layout avoid interference with magnetic resonance imaging. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the usage state of the sample box of the sample placement module of the present invention when it is cylindrical;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the imaging system when the sample box of the sample placement module of the present invention is cylindrical;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a structural embodiment of the sample box of the sample placement module of the present invention being cylindrical;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the sample box of the sample placement module of the present invention being cylindrical;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a usage diagram of the sample box of the sample placement module of the present invention when it is rectangular.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the imaging system when the sample box of the sample placement module of the present invention is rectangular.

[0033] Labels for each item in the figure:

[0034] 1. Magnetic resonance imaging system; 2. Coil; 3. Sample placement module; 3-1. Box body; 3-2. Lid;

[0035] 3-3. Sample holder; 3-4. Air inlet; 3-5. Air outlet; 4. Shielding layer; 5. Air pump; 6. Heating device;

[0036] 7. Temperature controller; 8. Air duct; 9. First photoelectric converter; 10. Thermistor; 11. Temperature probe. Detailed Implementation

[0037] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0038] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "tail end", "top", "outer side", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the system or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0039] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set up" and "equipped with" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0040] This invention provides a magnetic resonance imaging platform-compatible isothermal sample imaging system. The invention includes a magnetic resonance-compatible temperature monitoring module, a temperature measurement module, a gas supply heating module, and a sample placement module.

[0041] The magnetic resonance compatible temperature monitoring module is connected to the temperature measurement module. The magnetic resonance compatible temperature monitoring module is used to display the temperature value measured by the temperature measurement module and control the temperature of the gas supply heating module of the sample placement module.

[0042] The temperature measurement module is installed inside the sample placement module, and the temperature measurement module is used to measure the temperature inside the sample placement module.

[0043] The gas supply and heating module is connected to the sample placement module and the temperature measurement module respectively. The gas supply and heating module is used to supply gas to the sample placement module to heat the sample placement module. The gas supply and heating module is also used to monitor the temperature of the supplied gas and heat the gas.

[0044] The sample placement module is disposed inside the coil of the magnetic resonance imaging system. The sample placement module includes a sample box and a heat insulation layer. The heat insulation layer wraps around the outside of the sample box. The heat insulation layer can control the temperature inside the sample box and can also provide support so that the sample box can be placed stably inside the coil.

[0045] This invention provides a horizontal wide-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) instrument suitable for humans and small animals, enabling MRI and NMR spectroscopy analysis of phantoms, contrast agents, and samples. Compared to water bath heating, the circulating airflow as a heat source eliminates flow artifacts in MRI. In summary, the main feature of this invention is the design and implementation of an airflow-based isothermal MRI sample imaging system that allows for rapid, long-distance heat conduction and uniform, precise temperature control within the imaging cavity.

[0046] The following is a detailed description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of the isothermal sample imaging system compatible with the magnetic resonance imaging platform provided in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0047] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the isothermal sample imaging system compatible with the magnetic resonance imaging platform includes a magnetic resonance compatible temperature monitoring module, a temperature measurement module, a gas supply heating module, and a sample placement module 3.

[0048] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the sample placement module 3 is installed inside the coil 2 of the magnetic resonance imaging system 1, as referenced. Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The sample placement module 3 includes a box body 3-1 and a cover 3-2. The top of the box body 3-1 is detachably provided with a cover 3-2, and the cover 3-2 is provided with an air inlet 3-4.

[0049] The outer wall of the enclosure 3-1 is covered with a heat insulation layer made of materials including foam plastic, sponge, fiberglass wool, and glass wool. After being covered, the enclosure 3-1 is placed inside the detection coil 2, keeping it stationary and fixed within the coil 2 to prevent movement from affecting the measurement image. Furthermore, the heat insulation layer keeps the interior of the enclosure 3-1 warm, helping to quickly reach a constant temperature environment and preventing heat leakage that could increase measurement noise in the coil 2 and affect imaging results.

[0050] The housing 3-1 is equipped with a threaded connector, which can be tightly closed with the screw cap, ensuring good airtightness. A temperature probe 11 is tightly embedded in the screw cap, extending into the housing 3-1. The outside of the screw cap is tightly wrapped with heat-insulating cotton to ensure no heat loss. The entire sample placement module 3, along with the coil 2, can be placed in the center of a magnetic field to preheat the sample in real time.

[0051] The housing 3-1 is provided with an air outlet 3-5, and an outlet pipe is provided inside the air outlet 3-5. The outlet pipe is inserted into a small-diameter Luer head to ensure that the gas inside the housing 3-1 flows out slowly and avoids excessive heat loss. Preferably, the air outlet 3-5 is located on the side wall of the housing 3-1 and close to the bottom of the housing 3-1. The air outlet 3-5 is far away from the air inlet 3-4, so that the gas can fully fill the housing 3-1 for heat dissipation.

[0052] In another embodiment, the air outlet 3-5 may not be provided separately on the housing 3-1. Instead, the air outlet 3-5 may be provided on the screw cap, and an outlet pipe may be provided on the air outlet. The outlet pipe is inserted into a small-diameter Luer head to ensure that the gas in the housing 3-1 flows out slowly.

[0053] The sample holder 3-3 can be placed inside the chamber 3-1. The sample holder 3-3 is fixed to the inner wall of the chamber 3-1. The heating airflow through the air inlet 3-4 can simultaneously and fully preheat multiple sample tubes inserted on the sample holder 3-3. The sample holder 3-3 can be equipped with multiple air guide holes and sample slots.

[0054] Different types of liquid media can be injected into the chamber 3-1 according to imaging requirements, including but not limited to one or more of perfluoropolyether lubricating oil, water, agarose, gel-type semi-solid media, and formalin-type sample fixation solutions, in order to reduce magnetic susceptibility artifacts, increase radio frequency field uniformity and signal-to-noise ratio, and simulate living biological tissue.

[0055] like Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the housing 3-1 can also be cylindrical, which is more space-saving and allows for high-throughput imaging of multiple sample tubes at once. When the housing 3-1 is cylindrical, the sample tubes in the sample holder 3-3 are placed parallel to the long side of the cylinder. The housing 3-1 is equipped with a cover 3-2, which is a threaded cover connected to the housing 3-1 by threads to prevent liquid leakage when the housing 3-1 is placed horizontally. A sealing membrane is also provided at the gap between the housing 3-1 and the cover 3-2 to further ensure that the liquid inside the housing 3-1 does not leak out.

[0056] The cylindrical housing 3-1 is suitable for small animal scanners. The instrument cavity is relatively small, placed horizontally, with the lid facing forward and parallel to the direction of the magnetic field.

[0057] One end of the air duct 8 is connected to the air pump 5, and the other end of the air duct 8 is connected to the housing 3-1, allowing hot air to enter the housing 3-1. When the housing 3-1 is cylindrical, the air duct 8 can be used as follows: Figure 4 As shown, the air duct 8 is arranged to pass through the box 3-1. At this time, hot air is emitted from the surface of the air duct 8 into the box 3-1 to achieve heat exchange. At this time, the box 3-1 is filled with liquid that improves the signal-to-noise ratio, radio frequency uniformity and reduces artifacts, and heat exchange occurs with the liquid to heat the liquid. At this time, the outer surface of the air duct 8 in the box 3-1 is not covered with a heat insulation layer, while the outer surface of the air duct 8 used to connect the air pump 5, the heating device and the air inlet 3-4 is covered with a heat insulation layer, and the outer surface of the air duct 8 extending from the air outlet 3-5 is covered with a heat insulation layer.

[0058] Alternatively, one can use, such as Figure 3 As shown, the gas guide pipe 8 is connected to the air inlet 3-4 and air outlet 3-5 of the chamber 3-1. In this configuration, hot air directly enters the chamber 3-1 from the gas guide pipe 8 to provide heat and directly heat the sample. The outer surface of the gas guide pipe 8 is covered with an insulation layer.

[0059] The insulation layer covering the outer surface of the air duct 8 is made of conventional insulation material, such as fiberglass wool or glass wool. This patent does not modify this material and will not elaborate further here.

[0060] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the box 3-1 can be rectangular. When the box 3-1 is rectangular, the sample tubes in the sample holder 3-3 are placed vertically, and the samples in the sample tubes will not tip over.

[0061] The rectangular housing 3-1 is suitable for human body scanners. It has a large space. When placing it, the side with the cover 3-2 should face the ceiling to ensure that the RF coil covers most of the housing 3-1.

[0062] One end of the air duct 8 is connected to the air pump 5, and the other end of the air duct 8 is connected to the housing 3-1, allowing hot air to enter the housing 3-1. When the housing 3-1 is cylindrical, the air duct 8 can be used as follows: Figure 4 As shown, the air duct 8 is arranged to pass through the box 3-1. At this time, hot air is emitted from the surface of the air duct 8 into the box 3-1 to achieve heat exchange. At this time, the box 3-1 is filled with liquid that improves the signal-to-noise ratio, radio frequency uniformity and reduces artifacts, and heat exchange occurs with the liquid to heat the liquid. At this time, the outer surface of the air duct 8 in the box 3-1 is not covered with a heat insulation layer, while the outer surface of the air duct 8 used to connect the air pump 5, the heating device and the air inlet 3-4 is covered with a heat insulation layer, and the outer surface of the air duct 8 extending from the air outlet 3-5 is covered with a heat insulation layer.

[0063] Alternatively, one can use, such as Figure 3 As shown, the gas guide pipe 8 is connected to the air inlet 3-4 and air outlet 3-5 of the chamber 3-1. In this configuration, hot air directly enters the chamber 3-1 from the gas guide pipe 8 to provide heat and directly heat the sample. The outer surface of the gas guide pipe 8 is covered with an insulation layer.

[0064] The insulation layer covering the outer surface of the air duct 8 is made of conventional insulation material, such as fiberglass wool or glass wool. This patent does not modify this material and will not elaborate further here.

[0065] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the temperature detection module includes a temperature probe 11, a thermistor 10, and a first photoelectric converter 9. The temperature probe 11 is installed inside the housing 3-1. The temperature probe 11 is connected to the thermistor 10, the thermistor 10 is connected to the first photoelectric converter 9, and the thermistor 10 is also connected to the magnetic resonance compatible temperature monitoring module.

[0066] Continue to refer to Figure 1 The magnetic resonance compatible temperature monitoring module is connected to the temperature measurement module. The magnetic resonance compatible temperature monitoring module is used to display the temperature inside the sample placement module measured by the temperature measurement module. The magnetic resonance compatible temperature monitoring module is embedded in the electrocardiogram and respiratory monitoring system. The electrocardiogram and respiratory monitoring system can be placed entirely inside the magnet hole of the magnetic resonance imaging system 1.

[0067] The magnetic resonance-compatible temperature monitoring module includes a second photoelectric converter, a controller, a microcontroller, a display, and a temperature controller 7. A thermistor 10 is connected to the controller via the second photoelectric converter, and the controller is connected to the display via the microcontroller. The controller is located in the scanning chamber of the magnetic resonance imaging system 1. The thermistor 10 and the temperature controller 7 are connected via a first photoelectric converter 9, and the temperature controller 7 is connected to the gas supply heating module.

[0068] The real-time resistance value of the thermistor 10 is proportional to the temperature of the temperature probe 11. The voltage across the thermistor 10 is constant. When the value of the thermistor 10 changes in real time, the current flowing through the thermistor 10 changes in real time. The changing current is transmitted to the second photoelectric converter to complete the photoelectric conversion. The optical signal is transmitted in real time through the optical fiber to the controller in the scanning room of the magnetic resonance imaging system 1. The controller completes the photoelectric conversion of the optical signal again, and the microcontroller analyzes and calculates it to convert it into a real-time temperature value, which is then displayed on the screen.

[0069] The gas supply and heating module is connected to both the sample placement module and the temperature measurement module. Based on the temperature measured by the temperature measurement module within the sample placement module, the gas supply and heating module adjusts the amount of hot gas supplied to the sample placement module under the control of the temperature controller 7. The gas supply and heating module includes a gas pump 5, a heating device 6, and a temperature sensor. The outlet of the gas pump 5 is connected to the inlet 3-4 via the heating device 6. The temperature sensor is located at the outlet of the gas pump 5. The heating device 6 is preferably a heating wire. After power-on, when the temperature sensor detects that the output gas temperature is lower than the set temperature, the heating function is automatically activated, and the output hot gas enters the heat-insulating gas duct 8.

[0070] Reference Figure 1 As shown, the air pump 5, heating device 6 and temperature controller 7 are located on the outside of the shielding layer 4 to avoid interference from the magnetic resonance imaging system 1.

[0071] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A temperature-controlled sample imaging system compatible with a magnetic resonance imaging platform, characterized in that, It includes a magnetic resonance-compatible temperature monitoring module, a temperature measurement module, a gas supply and heating module, and a sample placement module; The magnetic resonance compatible temperature monitoring module is connected to the temperature measurement module. The magnetic resonance compatible temperature monitoring module is used to display the temperature value measured by the temperature measurement module and to control the temperature of the sample placement module and the gas supply heating module. The temperature measurement module is installed inside the sample placement module, and the temperature measurement module is used to measure the temperature inside the sample placement module. The gas supply and heating module is connected to the sample placement module and the temperature measurement module respectively. The gas supply and heating module is used to supply gas to the sample placement module to heat the sample placement module. The gas supply and heating module is also used to monitor the gas temperature at the gas outlet and heat the gas. The sample placement module is located inside the coil of the magnetic resonance imaging platform. The sample placement module includes a sample box and a heat insulation layer. The sample box has an air inlet and an air outlet for gas heat conduction. The heat insulation layer wraps around the outside of the sample box. The heat insulation layer can prevent the heat of the sample box from leaking outward, so as to achieve a constant temperature environment inside the sample box. It also prevents the heat of the sample box from increasing the measurement noise of the coil and affecting the imaging effect of the coil. In addition, the heat insulation layer can provide a fixed support so that the sample box is placed stably and remains stationary inside the coil. The sample chamber can be filled with different types of liquid media, including but not limited to one or more of perfluoropolyether lubricating oil, water, agarose, gel-like semi-solid media, and formalin-like sample fixation solutions, to reduce magnetic susceptibility artifacts, increase radio frequency field uniformity and signal-to-noise ratio, and simulate living biological tissue.

2. The isothermal sample imaging system compatible with the magnetic resonance imaging platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The temperature measurement module includes a temperature probe, a thermistor, and a first photoelectric converter. The temperature probe is disposed inside the sample chamber and is connected to the thermistor. The thermistor is connected to the first photoelectric converter and is also connected to the magnetic resonance compatible temperature monitoring module.

3. The isothermal sample imaging system compatible with the magnetic resonance imaging platform according to claim 2, characterized in that, The magnetic resonance compatible temperature monitoring module includes a second photoelectric converter, a controller, a microcontroller, a temperature controller, and a display. The thermistor is connected to the controller through the second photoelectric converter, the controller is connected to the display through the microcontroller, the thermistor and the temperature controller are connected through the first photoelectric converter, and the temperature controller is connected to the gas supply heating module.

4. The isothermal sample imaging system compatible with the magnetic resonance imaging platform according to claim 3, characterized in that, The gas supply and heating module includes a gas pump, a heating device, a gas guide pipe, and a temperature sensor. The gas pump outlet, the heating device, and the sample box are respectively connected through the gas guide pipe. The gas guide pipe is wrapped with the heat insulation layer. The gas pump outlet is equipped with the temperature sensor. The heating device is connected to the temperature controller.

5. The isothermal sample imaging system compatible with the magnetic resonance imaging platform according to claim 4, characterized in that, The sample box includes a box body and a lid. The lid is detachably mounted on the box body. The box body and the lid can be placed and fixed inside the coil of the magnetic resonance imaging platform after being combined. The lid is provided with an air inlet. The air inlet is connected to the gas supply and heating module through the air guide pipe. The temperature probe is inserted into the box body to realize real-time acquisition of the temperature of the air inside the box body. The box body is provided with an air outlet.

6. The isothermal sample imaging system compatible with the magnetic resonance imaging platform according to claim 5, characterized in that, The box is rectangular, and the lid is placed on the box. The box is placed with its opening facing upward and its bottom surface parallel to the ground. The box contains a sample holder and sample tubes.

7. The isothermal sample imaging system compatible with the magnetic resonance imaging platform according to claim 5, characterized in that, The chamber is cylindrical, and the lid is screwed onto the chamber to prevent liquid leakage from inside the chamber. The long side of the chamber is placed horizontally on the ground to increase space utilization and enable high-throughput imaging of multiple samples.

8. The isothermal sample imaging system compatible with the magnetic resonance imaging platform according to claim 5, characterized in that, The air guide pipe is segmented. One segment of the air guide pipe is connected to the air pump and the heating device, and then to the air inlet to enable air intake of the box. The other segment of the air guide pipe is connected to the air outlet to enable air exhaust of the box.

9. The isothermal sample imaging system compatible with the magnetic resonance imaging platform according to claim 5, characterized in that, The air guide pipe is a single piece. After the air guide pipe is connected to the air pump and the heating device, the air guide pipe enters the box from the air inlet and exits from the air outlet. In addition to the air guide pipe set in the box, the outer surface of the air guide pipe used to connect the air pump, the heating device and the air inlet, and the outer surface of the air guide pipe extending from the air outlet are wrapped with the heat insulation layer.

Citation Information

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