Coil auxiliary device for reducing mammary gland MRI artifacts and use method thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to a coil auxiliary device for reducing mammary gland MRI artifacts and a using method thereof.The auxiliary device comprises two water bags, the number of the water bags is two, each water bag is of a bag-shaped structure with one end open, the open end of each water bag is provided with a hollow tubular gasket in a surrounding mode, and the two gaskets are communicated through a water guide pipe; water guide holes are formed in the two gaskets and used for guiding out redundant water in the water bag. The present invention provides a relatively simple and economical solution compared to techniques that require complex modification of MRI equipment or use of high cost consumables. And water is used as a filling material, so that the cost is low, the water is easy to obtain, and special materials possibly causing burden to the environment are avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a coil auxiliary device for reducing breast MRI artifacts and a use method thereof, belonging to the technical field of medical devices. Background Art

[0002] Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) plays a vital role in the screening, diagnosis and monitoring of breast cancer due to its radiation-free and excellent soft tissue and spatial resolution. When performing breast MRI, a dedicated breast coil is required to improve the quality of the image. The groove of the breast coil is of a fixed size and is rigid. Oriental women have smaller breasts, and when placed in the breast coil hole, there is a large air gap between the breast skin surface and the coil. The air gap will interfere with the uniformity of the local magnetic field, especially in high-field strength (such as 3.0T) imaging systems, which can easily produce magnetic susceptibility artifacts, affecting image quality and, in turn, affecting doctors' diagnosis.

[0003] Since various manufacturers have produced breast-specific coils with fixed shapes and sizes, it is impossible to adjust the shape of the coil according to the size of the breast in clinical work. In addition, the coil grooves of imported MRI are mainly designed according to the size of the breasts of European and American women. Therefore, when used in China, there is generally a large gap between the breast surface and the coil. Magnetic susceptibility artifacts are a common problem in the clinical practice of breast MRI, especially in sequences that are sensitive to local magnetic field inhomogeneities, such as fat suppression and diffusion-weighted imaging, and these sequence images are essential for the screening, diagnosis and monitoring of breast cancer. This brings great challenges to obtaining high-quality images for breast MRI and is a problem that needs to be solved urgently in clinical practice. Summary of the invention

[0004] In response to the above technical problems, the present invention provides a coil-assisted device for reducing breast MRI artifacts and a method of using the device. The device effectively solves the technical difficulties in breast MRI examinations and helps to improve diagnostic accuracy and patient experience.

[0005] To achieve the above object, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions: A coil-assisted device for reducing breast MRI artifacts, comprising: Water bags, the number is two, both of which are bag-like structures with one end open, and the open ends of the two water bags are both surrounded by a hollow tubular gasket, and the two gaskets are connected by a water conduit; Both washers are provided with water guide holes for guiding out the excess water in the water bag.

[0006] In the coil auxiliary device for reducing breast MRI artifacts, preferably, an exhaust member is further provided on the outer wall of the water bag, the exhaust member is used to be placed between the water bag and the breast coil, and the exhaust member is provided with an exhaust hole.

[0007] In the coil-assisted device for reducing breast MRI artifacts, preferably, the exhaust member is an exhaust gasket.

[0008] In the coil-assisted device for reducing breast MRI artifacts, preferably, the water bag is a rubber water bag or a silicone water bag.

[0009] In the coil auxiliary device for reducing breast MRI artifacts, preferably, the exhaust member is a rubber exhaust gasket or a silicone exhaust gasket.

[0010] The coil-assisted device for reducing breast MRI artifacts preferably further comprises a water tank, which is connected to the water conduit and is used to store excess water in the water bag.

[0011] A second aspect of the present invention provides a method for using the coil auxiliary device for reducing breast MRI artifacts, comprising the following steps: First, pour physiological saline into the two water bags; placing the two water bags filled with physiological saline in the breast coil; Expelling the air between the breast coil and the water bag through the exhaust hole; The patient lies prone on the breast coil in a standard prone position and gently places the breast in the two water bags; Once the patient is ready, the MRI scan can be started, and after the scan is completed, the patient leaves the breast coil.

[0012] The present invention adopts the above technical solution, which has the following advantages: 1. In the prior art, the air gap between the breast and the coil can cause an uneven magnetic field and produce image artifacts. The present invention eliminates these gaps by filling water around the breast, significantly improving image quality and reducing image distortion and signal loss caused by differences in magnetic susceptibility, thereby improving overall diagnostic performance.

[0013] 2. Compared with technologies that require complex modifications to MRI equipment or use of high-cost consumables, the present invention provides a relatively simple and economical solution. Using water as a filling material is not only low-cost and easy to obtain, but also avoids the use of special materials that may burden the environment.

[0014] 3. The device of the present invention simplifies the scanning process and reduces the need for repeated scanning due to image quality issues, thereby improving the efficiency of MRI equipment use and workflow efficiency. In addition, its design allows for rapid deployment and use without complex setup or adjustments.

[0015] 4. The present invention takes into account the safety and comfort of the patient, uses non-harmful substances (such as water) to fill the gaps, and the device design takes into account the convenience of drainage and exhaust, ensuring the comfort and safety of the patient during the examination.

[0016] 5. The auxiliary device is designed to be simple and easy to understand, and can be used without special training. It is also easy to integrate with existing breast MRI coils without the need for large-scale upgrades or modifications to existing systems. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 A stereoscopic diagram of a coil auxiliary device for reducing breast MRI artifacts provided by an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 A top view of a coil auxiliary device for reducing breast MRI artifacts provided by this embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 A side view of a coil-assisted device for reducing breast MRI artifacts provided by this embodiment of the present invention; The reference numerals in the figures are as follows: 1-water bag; 2-gasket; 3-water pipe; 4-water hole; 5-exhaust piece; 6-water tank. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the present invention clearer, the technical solution of the present invention is described clearly and completely below. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary persons in the art without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0019] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in the present invention shall have the usual meanings understood by persons with ordinary skills in the field to which the present invention belongs. The words "first", "second", "third", "fourth" and similar terms used in the present invention do not indicate any order, quantity or importance, but are only used to distinguish different components. Words such as "include" or "comprise" and the like mean that the elements or objects appearing before the word include the elements or objects listed after the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Words such as "connect" or "connected" and the like are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but may include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect.

[0020] For ease of description, spatially relative terms may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature relative to another element or feature as shown in the figures, such as "inside", "outside", "inner side", "outer side", "below", "above", etc. Such spatially relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.

[0021] During breast MR examination, if the breast surface and the coil cannot fit tightly, an air gap between them will affect the uniformity of the local magnetic field. This non-uniformity will cause artifacts and distortions such as echo signal degradation, spatial positioning errors, and poor fat suppression technology in the image, thereby interfering with and affecting the diagnosis. Since imported MRI breast coils are designed based on the breasts of European and American women, the presence of an air gap between the breast and the coil produces magnetic susceptibility artifacts, which are common in domestic breast MR examinations. How to reduce the air gap between the breast surface and the coil, eliminate or reduce the magnetic susceptibility effect, and improve image quality is a technical problem that needs to be solved.

[0022] Based on the above technical problems, the present invention provides a coil auxiliary device for reducing breast MRI artifacts. The device effectively solves the technical difficulties in breast MRI examinations and helps to improve diagnostic accuracy and patient experience.

[0023] like Figure 1 , 2 As shown in , 3, the coil auxiliary device for reducing breast MRI artifacts involved in the present invention comprises: There are two water bags 1, both of which are bag-shaped structures with one end open. A hollow tubular gasket 2 is arranged around the open end of each water bag 1, and the two gaskets 2 are connected through a water pipe 3; water guide holes 4 are provided on each gasket 2 to guide out excess water in the water bag 1. The water bag 1 is made of a soft and elastic latex material to ensure that it can fit tightly with the groove of the breast coil after storing water.

[0024] Furthermore, an exhaust member 5 is provided on the outer wall of the water bag 1, and the exhaust member 5 is used to be placed between the water bag 1 and the breast coil. The exhaust member 5 is provided with an exhaust hole. Preferably, the exhaust member 5 is an exhaust gasket. The exhaust hole is used to discharge the air between the water bag 1 and the breast coil after the water bag 1 is placed in the breast coil and water is added to the latex water bag 1.

[0025] Furthermore, the water bag 1 is a rubber water bag or a silicone water bag.

[0026] Furthermore, the exhaust member 5 is a rubber exhaust gasket or a silicone exhaust gasket.

[0027] Furthermore, a water storage tank 6 is included, which is connected to the water conduit 3 and is used to store excess water in the water bag 1. When the subject lies prone on the breast coil, the breasts on both sides are immersed in the water bag 1, and excess warm water enters the rubber water storage bag through the water holes 4 and the water conduit 3.

[0028] The present invention also provides a method for using the coil auxiliary device for reducing breast MRI artifacts, comprising the following steps: Preparation stage: First, pour saline into water bag 1, filling it to about 2 / 3 of the capacity of water bag 1. Make sure not to overfill it to avoid excessive liquid overflow when the patient places the breast.

[0029] Installation phase: Place the saline-filled water bag 1 in the inner area of ​​the breast coil. Ensure that the latex water bag 1 is positioned correctly with the exhaust hole facing upwards to facilitate subsequent air discharge.

[0030] Exhaust phase: The air between the breast coil and the water bag 1 is completely exhausted through the exhaust hole. This step is critical to ensure good image quality, because any residual air may affect the uniformity of the magnetic field.

[0031] Patient positioning stage: The patient takes a standard prone position on the breast coil to ensure that the body is stable and comfortable. At this time, the patient's breasts should naturally hang above the water storage tank 6.

[0032] During the inspection phase, the patient gently places the breast in the water bag 1. As the breast is placed in the water bag 1, the saline in the water bag 1 may overflow. The excess saline will flow out through the water conduit 3 and eventually be collected in the rubber water tank 6.

[0033] Scanning phase: Once the patient is ready, the MRI scan can be started. Throughout the scanning process, doctors and technicians should monitor the operation of the equipment to ensure the quality of image acquisition.

[0034] Subsequent treatment: After the scan is completed, the patient can leave the breast coil. At this time, the saline in the rubber water storage tank 6 should be checked to see if it needs to be cleaned or replaced to ensure the cleanliness and functionality of the device when it is used next time.

[0035] During use, please note: Make sure to use sterile saline to reduce the risk of infection. Check the device for leaks or other problems that may affect the function of the device before and after each use. If the patient feels uncomfortable during use, he should immediately inform the operator. Disinfect the water bag 1 and the rubber water tank 6 regularly to maintain hygiene and prevent cross infection. Ensure that the water pipe 3 and the rubber water tank 6 are unobstructed to prevent the potential risk of slipping caused by saline overflow.

[0036] Compared with the prior art, the auxiliary device of the present invention has the following advantages: 1. Performance improvement: In the prior art, the air gap between the breast and the coil will cause an uneven magnetic field and produce image artifacts. The present invention eliminates these gaps by filling water around the breast, significantly improving image quality and reducing image distortion and signal loss caused by differences in magnetic susceptibility, thereby improving overall diagnostic performance.

[0037] 2. Cost-effectiveness: Compared with technologies that require complex modifications to MRI equipment or use high-cost consumables, the present invention provides a relatively simple and economical solution. Using water as a filling material is not only low-cost and easy to obtain, but also avoids the use of special materials that may burden the environment.

[0038] 3. Improved efficiency: The device simplifies the scanning process and reduces the need for repeated scans due to image quality issues, thereby improving the efficiency of MRI equipment use and workflow efficiency. In addition, its design allows for rapid deployment and use without complex setup or adjustments.

[0039] 4. Safety and comfort: The present invention takes into account the safety and comfort of patients, uses non-harmful substances (such as water) to fill the gaps, and the device design takes into account the convenience of drainage and exhaust, ensuring the comfort and safety of patients during the examination.

[0040] 5. Ease of use and compatibility: The auxiliary device is designed to be simple and easy to understand, and can be used without special training. It is also easy to integrate with existing breast MRI coils without the need for large-scale upgrades or modifications to existing systems.

[0041] In summary, the present invention shows significant progress compared with the existing technology in terms of performance, cost, efficiency, safety and ease of use, effectively solves the technical problems in breast MRI examinations, and helps to improve diagnostic accuracy and patient experience.

[0042] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features therein. However, these modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A coil-assisted device for reducing breast MRI artifacts, characterized in that: include: Water bags (1), the number of which is two, both of which are bag-like structures with one end open, and the open ends of the two water bags (1) are both surrounded by a hollow tubular gasket (2), and the two gaskets (2) are connected via a water conduit (3); Both washers (2) are provided with water guide holes (4) for guiding out excess water in the water bag (1).

2. The coil-assisted device for reducing breast MRI artifacts according to claim 1, characterized in that: An exhaust member (5) is also provided on the outer wall of the water bag (1), and the exhaust member (5) is used to be placed between the water bag (1) and the breast coil, and an exhaust hole is provided on the exhaust member (5).

3. The coil-assisted device for reducing breast MRI artifacts according to claim 2, characterized in that: The exhaust component (5) is an exhaust gasket.

4. The coil-assisted device for reducing breast MRI artifacts according to claim 3, characterized in that: The water bag (1) is a rubber water bag or a silica gel water bag.

5. The coil-assisted device for reducing breast MRI artifacts according to claim 4, characterized in that: The exhaust component (5) is a rubber exhaust gasket or a silicone exhaust gasket.

6. The coil-assisted device for reducing breast MRI artifacts according to claim 5, characterized in that: It also comprises a water storage tank (6), which is in communication with the water conduit (3) and is used to store excess water in the water bag (1).

7. A method for using the coil-assisted device for reducing breast MRI artifacts according to claim 6, characterized in that: The steps include: First, pour physiological saline into the two water bags (1); Placing the two water bags (1) filled with physiological saline in the breast coil; Expelling the air between the breast coil and the water bag (1) through the exhaust hole; The patient lies prone on the breast coil in a standard prone position, and gently places the breast in the two water bags (1); Once the patient is ready, the MRI scan can be started, and after the scan is completed, the patient leaves the breast coil.

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