Deployable protection device and method for operating magnetic resonance imaging device

Abstract

Some aspects of the technology described herein provide deployable protection devices and methods for operating magnetic resonance imaging devices. A deployable protection device configured to be coupled to a portable magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device, the deployable protection device comprising: a plurality of arms to at least partially surround an area within which a magnetic field strength of a magnetic field generated by the portable MRI device equals or exceeds a threshold field strength when the deployable protection device is in a deployed position; and at least one deployment device configured to generate a force to facilitate movement of the deployable protection device from the undeployed position to the deployed position.

Description

[0001] (This application is a divisional application of an application with a filing date of January 11, 2023, application number 202380026228.5, and invention name “Deployable protective member for portable magnetic resonance imaging device”.) Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a deployable protective device for a portable magnetic resonance imaging device and a method for operating the magnetic resonance imaging device. Background Art

[0003] Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides an important imaging modality for many applications and is widely used in clinical and research settings to produce images of the interior of the human body. In general, MRI is based on detecting magnetic resonance (MR) signals, which are electromagnetic waves emitted by atoms in response to a change of state caused by an applied electromagnetic field. For example, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology involves detecting MR signals emitted from the nuclei of excited atoms upon realignment or relaxation of the nuclear spins of atoms in the object being imaged (e.g., atoms in human tissue). The detected MR signals can be processed to produce images that enable investigation of internal structures and / or biological processes in the body for diagnostic, therapeutic and / or research purposes in the context of medical applications.

[0004] MRI provides an attractive imaging modality for biological imaging due to its ability to produce non-invasive images with relatively high resolution and contrast without the safety issues of other modalities (e.g., without the need to expose the subject to ionizing radiation (e.g., x-rays) or introduce radioactive materials into the body). In addition, MRI is particularly well suited to providing soft tissue contrast, which can be used to image subjects that cannot be satisfactorily imaged by other imaging modalities. In addition, MR technology is able to capture information about structures and / or biological processes that cannot be acquired by other modalities. However, MRI has many disadvantages, which may be related to the relatively high cost of the equipment, limited availability (e.g., difficulty in obtaining access to clinical MRI scanners), and / or the length of the image acquisition process for a given imaging application.

[0005] The trend in clinical MRI has been to increase the field strength of MRI scanners to improve one or more of scan time, image resolution, and image contrast, which in turn continues to drive up costs. The vast majority of installed MRI scanners operate at 1.5 or 3 Tesla (T), which refers to the field strength of the main magnetic field B0. A rough cost estimate for a clinical MRI scanner is about $1 million per Tesla, which does not take into account the substantial operating, service, and maintenance costs involved in operating such an MRI scanner.

[0006] These high field MRI devices usually require large superconducting magnets and associated electronics to generate a strong uniform static magnetic field (B0) for imaging an object (e.g., a patient). For a typical high field MRI installation including multiple rooms used for magnets, electronics, thermal management systems, and console areas, the size of such a system is quite large. The size and expense of high field MRI devices generally limit their use to facilities such as hospitals and academic research centers, which have enough space and resources to purchase and maintain them. The high cost and large amount of space requirements of high field MRI devices lead to the limited availability of MRI scanners. For this reason, there is often the following clinical situation: MRI scanning will be beneficial, but due to one or more than one of the limitations discussed above, MRI scanning is impractical or impossible.

[0007] A further consideration associated with MRI devices of any field strength is the stray magnetic fields (also called fringe fields) generated outside the imaging region of the MRI device, which are measured in Gauss. Depending on the strength of the fringe fields, fringe fields can be dangerous to bystanders and can interfere with nearby electronics, including medical devices (e.g., pacemakers) and computers (e.g., smart phones). Summary of the invention

[0008] Some embodiments provide a deployable protective device configured to be coupled to a portable magnetic resonance imaging device, i.e., a portable MRI device, the deployable protective device comprising: a plurality of arms for at least partially surrounding a region in which, when the deployable protective device is in a deployed position, a magnetic field strength of a magnetic field generated by the portable MRI device is equal to or exceeds a threshold field strength; and at least one deployment device configured to generate a force for moving the deployable protective device from a non-deployed position to the deployed position.

[0009] Some embodiments provide a deployable protective device configured to be coupled to a portable magnetic resonance imaging device, i.e., a portable MRI device, the deployable protective device comprising: a plurality of arms which, when the deployable protective device is in a deployed position, at least partially surround a region in which a magnetic field strength of a magnetic field generated by the portable MRI device is equal to or exceeds a threshold field strength; and at least one deployment component for moving the deployable protective device from a non-deployed position to the deployed position.

[0010] Some embodiments provide a system comprising: a portable magnetic resonance imaging device, i.e., a portable MRI device; and a deployable protective device coupled to the portable MRI device, the deployable protective device comprising: a plurality of arms which, when the deployable protective device is in a deployed position, at least partially surround a region in which a magnetic field strength of a magnetic field generated by the portable MRI device is equal to or exceeds a threshold field strength; and at least one deployment device configured to generate a force for moving the deployable protective device from a non-deployed position to the deployed position.

[0011] Some embodiments provide a method for operating a magnetic resonance imaging device, i.e., an MRI device, wherein the MRI device is coupled to a deployable protective device, wherein the deployable protective device includes a plurality of arms, wherein the plurality of arms are used to at least partially surround the following area when the deployable protective device is in the deployed position, within which area the magnetic field strength of the magnetic field generated by the MRI device is equal to or exceeds a threshold value, wherein the method includes: moving the deployable protective device from a non-deployed position to a deployed position, wherein the deployable protective device also includes at least one deployment device, wherein the at least one deployment device is configured to generate a first force for facilitating the movement of the deployable protective device from the non-deployed position to the deployed position; after moving the deployable protective device to the deployed position, transporting the MRI device from the first position to a second position; and moving the deployable protective device from the deployed position to the non-deployed position.

[0012] Some embodiments provide a deployable protective device configured to be coupled to a portable magnetic resonance imaging device, i.e., a portable MRI device, the deployable protective device comprising: a support member for coupling to the portable MRI device; and a plurality of arms coupled to the support member and, when the deployable protective device is in a deployed position, at least partially surrounding a region in which a magnetic field strength of a magnetic field generated by the portable MRI device is equal to or exceeds a threshold field strength, the plurality of arms comprising a first arm, wherein a force is applied to the first arm to move the first arm from its non-deployed position toward its deployed position so that the support member moves one or more other arms of the plurality of arms from their respective non-deployed positions toward their respective deployed positions.

[0013] Some embodiments provide a system comprising: a portable magnetic resonance imaging device, i.e., a portable MRI device; and a deployable protective device coupled to the portable MRI device, the deployable protective device comprising: a support coupled to the portable MRI device; and a plurality of arms which, when the deployable protective device is in a deployed position, at least partially surround a region in which a magnetic field strength of a magnetic field generated by the portable MRI device is equal to or exceeds a threshold, and wherein a force is applied to a first arm to move the first arm from its non-deployed position toward its deployed position so that the support moves one or more other arms of the plurality of arms from their respective non-deployed positions toward their respective deployed positions.

[0014] Some embodiments provide a method for operating a magnetic resonance imaging device, i.e., an MRI device, which is coupled to a deployable protective device, the deployable protective device comprising: a support member coupled to the MRI device; and a plurality of arms coupled to the support member and, when the deployable protective device is in a deployed position, at least partially surrounding a region in which a magnetic field strength of a magnetic field generated by the MRI device is equal to or exceeds a threshold, the method comprising: moving the deployable protective device from the deployed position to an undeployed position, wherein the deployable protective device is configured to move between the deployed position and the undeployed position in response to a force applied to only one of the plurality of arms; performing imaging using the MRI device; and after imaging, moving the deployable protective device from the undeployed position to the deployed position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Various aspects and embodiments of the present application will be described with reference to the following figures. It should be understood that these figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Items appearing in multiple figures are represented by the same reference numerals in all figures in which they appear.

[0016] Figure 1 An example magnetic resonance imaging apparatus is illustrated for use in accordance with some embodiments of the techniques described herein.

[0017] Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C According to some embodiments of the technology described herein Figure 1 Top, front, and side views of an example magnetic resonance imaging apparatus illustrating example magnetic fringe fields associated with the apparatus.

[0018] Figure 2D Magnetic field strengths of fringe fields for another example magnetic resonance imaging device are illustrated in accordance with some embodiments of the techniques described herein.

[0019] Figure 3A An example deployable guard device is illustrated in a deployed position in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein.

[0020] Figure 3B An example of a device coupled to a portable magnetic resonance imaging device and in an undeployed position according to some embodiments of the technology described herein Figure 3A An example of a deployable protective device.

[0021] Figure 3C An example of a device coupled to a portable magnetic resonance imaging device and in an undeployed position according to some embodiments of the technology described herein Figure 3A An example of a deployable protective device.

[0022] Figure 4A Another configuration of a deployable protective device in a deployed position is illustrated in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein.

[0023] Figure 4B Illustrate an example of an undeployed position according to some embodiments of the technology described herein. Figure 4A An example of a deployable protective device.

[0024] Figure 5A Illustrate a device coupled to a portable magnetic resonance imaging device and in a deployed position according to some embodiments of the technology described herein Figure 4A An example of a deployable protective device.

[0025] Figure 5B An example of a device coupled to a portable magnetic resonance imaging device and in an undeployed position according to some embodiments of the technology described herein Figure 4A An example of a deployable protective device.

[0026] Figure 5C An example of a device coupled to a portable magnetic resonance imaging device and in an undeployed position according to some embodiments of the technology described herein Figure 4A An example of a deployable protective device.

[0027] Fig. 6A Another example deployable guard device in a deployed position is illustrated in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein.

[0028] Figure 6B Illustrate a position between a deployed position and a non-deployed position according to some embodiments of the technology described herein Fig. 6A Deployable protective device.

[0029] Figure 6C Illustrate an example of an undeployed position according to some embodiments of the technology described herein. Fig. 6ADeployable protective device.

[0030] Fig. 7A Illustrate a device coupled to a portable magnetic resonance imaging device and in a deployed position according to some embodiments of the technology described herein Fig. 6A Deployable protective device.

[0031] Figure 7B An example of a device coupled to a portable magnetic resonance imaging device and in an undeployed position according to some embodiments of the technology described herein Fig. 6A Deployable protective device.

[0032] Figure 7C An example of a device coupled to a portable magnetic resonance imaging device and in an undeployed position according to some embodiments of the technology described herein Fig. 6A Deployable protective device.

[0033] Fig. 8A Examples of some embodiments of the technology described herein Fig. 6A A support for a deployable protective device.

[0034] Figure 8B Examples of some embodiments of the technology described herein are Fig. 6A The deployable guard is coupled to Fig. 8A All aspects of the support.

[0035] 9A to 9C An example of a method for moving a deployable protective device from a deployed position to a non-deployed position according to some embodiments of the technology described herein. Fig. 6A Movement of deployable protective devices.

[0036] Fig.10 A deployment device for automatically moving a deployable protective device from an undeployed position to a deployed position is illustrated in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein.

[0037] Fig.11 A method for imaging using a magnetic resonance imaging device coupled to a deployable shielding device is illustrated in accordance with some embodiments of the techniques described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The present disclosure relates generally to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) devices, and more particularly to deployable shields suitable for use with portable MRI devices. Aspects of the deployable shielding device described herein allow for easier transition between a deployed position and an undeployed position of the deployable shielding device.

[0039] Recently, portable low-field MRI devices have been developed that can be implemented as self-contained systems that can be deployed in a variety of clinical environments where high-field MRI devices cannot be deployed, for example, because they are transportable, shippable, or otherwise generally mobile and thus can be deployed where needed. Due to this portability, it is expected that such low-field MRI devices can be operated in generally unshielded or partially shielded environments.

[0040] With the advent of new paradigms for MRI, certain additional challenges may arise with respect to portable point-of-care (POC) MRI devices that may be installed in a variety of environments such as emergency rooms, offices, or clinics. For example, a portable low-field POC MRI device (including any system described herein) may temporarily reside in (or pass through) one or more areas that are not access-controlled while in storage or when transported from one location to another. On the one hand, low-field system MRI devices operate with much lower static magnetic fields than conventional high-field MRI devices, and as such, certain risks (e.g., potential projection effects) that are typically associated with high-field systems may not exist. On the other hand, there may still be other issues associated with the presence of even low levels of static magnetic fields in areas that are not access-controlled. Examples of such issues may include, but are not necessarily limited to: individuals with active implants (e.g., pacemakers, defibrillators, insulin pumps, deep brain stimulators, vagus nerve stimulators, cochlear implants, etc.) near an MRI device; individuals with metal-containing tattoos or permanent makeup on the head or neck area near an MRI device; and individuals with suspected metal in the eyes (e.g., metal workers, injured persons, etc.) near an MRI device.

[0041] For the reasons discussed herein, high fringe fields (e.g., magnetic fields extending beyond the imaging region of an MRI device) may be dangerous to bystanders, however, low-intensity fringe fields (e.g., fringe fields having an intensity of less than 30 gauss, less than 25 gauss, less than 20 gauss, less than 15 gauss, less than 10 gauss, less than 5 gauss, less than 2 gauss, less than 1 gauss, any intensity within the range of 2 to 10 gauss, 1 to 30 gauss, 5 to 20 gauss, or 2 to 20 gauss, etc.) may be tolerated because such low-intensity fringe fields may not present safety issues or otherwise interfere with the operation of nearby electronic devices, including implants (e.g., pacemakers) or other electronic devices (e.g., medical devices, smart phones, etc.).

[0042] In some environments, safety regulations require the indication of boundaries or perimeters within which the magnetic field of the MRI device exceeds a given threshold field strength. These boundaries are sometimes referred to as "Gaussian lines". The Gaussian lines of the device can indicate an area outside of which the intensity of the magnetic field generated by the device is less than a threshold intensity. For example, a 5 Gaussian line of an MRI device can indicate an area outside of which the magnetic field generated by the MRI device has an intensity of less than 5 Gauss. Magnetic fields with intensities greater than 30 Gauss may present a projection hazard. Some safety regulations require the indication of 5, 10, and 200 Gaussian lines to delineate physical perimeters within which the corresponding thresholds are exceeded.

[0043] It should be appreciated that this challenge is generally less of an issue with respect to more conventional high field MRI apparatuses that are typically not moved and are installed in dedicated rooms with extensive shielding and defined access control protocols. For example, compliance with the above safety regulations can be achieved by indicating 5, 10, and 200 Gauss lines on the floor of the room where the MRI apparatus is installed to remind personnel where the corresponding protocols need to be implemented. This solution is generally not applicable in the context of portable MRI apparatuses because the MRI apparatus is moved from one place to another and it is impractical to reapply the floor markings each time the MRI apparatus is moved.

[0044] In view of this and as described herein, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a deployable protective device that is configured to be coupled to a portable medical imaging device. The deployable protective device, when deployed, is configured to inhibit intrusion within a physical boundary relative to the portable medical imaging device. For example, in some embodiments, the deployable protective device, when in a deployed position, can provide a physical barrier to intrusion such that the area within the physical barrier includes a specific Gaussian line (e.g., a 5 Gaussian line, a 10 Gaussian line, etc.). To this end, the deployable protective device can be configured such that, when deployed, the outer perimeter of the deployable protective device extends beyond a specific Gaussian line relative to the portable MRI device to which the deployable protective device is coupled.

[0045] The inventors have developed a deployable guard having features that facilitate transition of the deployable guard between its deployed position and an undeployed position. As described herein, the deployable guard can be in a deployed position to inhibit intrusion within the physical boundaries of a portable medical imaging device (such as an MRI device, etc.). The deployable guard can be temporarily in an undeployed position, for example, when in storage, when moving through a doorway or confined space (e.g., through a narrow corridor), or when in operation. Subsequently, the deployable guard can be moved to the deployed position, for example, when the deployable guard is moved from one position to another through an unmarked and / or unshielded area. Therefore, the inventors have recognized that a deployable guard that is easily transitioned between a deployable position and a non-deployable position is advantageous for ensuring that the deployable guard is in the deployed position when needed.

[0046] Some aspects of a deployable guard include a deployment device that facilitates moving the deployable guard from a non-deployed position to a deployed position. For example, the deployment device can generate a force on the deployable guard that causes the deployable guard to automatically move to the deployed position (e.g., after being temporarily moved to the non-deployed position when moving through a doorway or other confined space). Thus, less operator intervention is required to ensure that the deployable guard returns to the deployed position. A deployment device that facilitates automatically moving the deployable guard from a non-deployed position to a deployed position and / or from a deployed position to a non-deployed position can be implemented for use with any of the deployable guard designs described herein.

[0047] As described herein, the deployable guard may include a plurality of components including a plurality of arms forming a boundary. In some embodiments, the deployable guard may be configured to move between an undeployed position and a deployed position in response to a force on only some of the deployable guard components (e.g., only some (including only one) of the deployable guard arms) in the deployable guard components. Therefore, less interaction from an operator is required to transition between the undeployed position and the deployed position. The inventors have recognized that (e.g., compared to symmetrical guards that may overcompensate for areas that require intrusion suppression) an asymmetric guard may be beneficial in the case where a magnetic field is generated by an MRI device coupled to the asymmetric guard because the guard does not take up more space than required. Therefore, the asymmetric guard allows a portable MRI device to be moved (e.g., transported) or stored in a confined space (such as through a doorway or closer to a wall, etc.) through a confined space.

[0048] Therefore, according to some embodiments, a deployable protective device is provided, which is configured to be coupled to a portable magnetic resonance imaging device, i.e., a portable MRI device, and the deployable protective device includes: a plurality of arms (e.g., at least four arms) for at least partially surrounding the following area when the deployable protective device is in the deployed position, within which the magnetic field strength of the magnetic field generated by the portable MRI device is equal to or exceeds a threshold field strength; and at least one deployment device (e.g., a torsion spring) configured to generate a force for moving the deployable protective device from a non-deployed position to the deployed position.

[0049] In some embodiments, the at least one deployment device comprises a respective deployment device coupled to each of the plurality of arms.

[0050] In some embodiments, the deployable shielding device is radially asymmetric. In some embodiments, the deployable shielding device is bilaterally asymmetric.

[0051] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the plurality of arms are moveable to the deployed position while other arms of the plurality of arms remain in the undeployed position.

[0052] In some embodiments, the plurality of arms include a first arm and a second arm; and when the deployable guard is in the deployed position, the first arm and the second arm at least partially overlap each other in space. In some embodiments, the first arm and the second arm are not coupled together at a point where the first arm and the second arm at least partially overlap each other. In some embodiments, when the deployable guard is in the deployed position, a first end of the first arm overlaps a first end of the second arm.

[0053] In some embodiments, at least two of the plurality of arms are configured to move from the deployed position to the undeployed position in response to a force on only one of the at least two of the plurality of arms. In some embodiments, at least two of the plurality of arms are configured to move from the undeployed position to the deployed position in response to a force on only one of the at least two of the plurality of arms.

[0054] In some embodiments, the at least one deployment device is configured to automatically return the deployable guard device to the deployed position in response to a force on the deployable guard device toward the non-deployed position.

[0055] According to some embodiments, a deployable protective device is provided, which is configured to be coupled to a portable magnetic resonance imaging device, i.e., a portable MRI device, and the deployable protective device includes: a plurality of arms (for example, at least four arms) for at least partially surrounding the following area when the deployable protective device is in the deployed position, within which the magnetic field strength of the magnetic field generated by the portable MRI device is equal to or exceeds a threshold field strength; and at least one deployment component for moving the deployable protective device from a non-deployed position to the deployed position.

[0056] In some embodiments, the at least one deployment member comprises a respective deployment member for each arm of the plurality of arms.

[0057] In some embodiments, the deployable shielding device is radially asymmetric. In some embodiments, the deployable shielding device is bilaterally asymmetric.

[0058] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the plurality of arms are moveable to the deployed position while other arms of the plurality of arms remain in the undeployed position.

[0059] In some embodiments, the plurality of arms include a first arm and a second arm, and the first arm and the second arm at least partially overlap each other in space when the deployable guard is in the deployed position. In some embodiments, the first arm and the second arm are not coupled together at a point where the first arm and the second arm at least partially overlap each other. In some embodiments, the first end of the first arm overlaps the first end of the second arm when the deployable guard is in the deployed position.

[0060] In some embodiments, at least two of the plurality of arms are configured to move from the deployed position to the undeployed position in response to a force on only one of the at least two of the plurality of arms. In some embodiments, at least two of the plurality of arms are configured to move from the undeployed position to the deployed position in response to a force on only one of the at least two of the plurality of arms.

[0061] According to some aspects, a system is provided, including: a portable magnetic resonance imaging device, i.e., a portable MRI device; and a deployable shielding device coupled to the portable MRI device, the deployable shielding device including: a plurality of arms, which, when the deployable shielding device is in a deployed position, at least partially surround the following area, within which the magnetic field strength (e.g., within a range from about 5 Gauss to about 70 Gauss, within a range from about 1 Gauss to about 70 Gauss within which the magnetic field generated by the portable MRI device equals or exceeds a threshold field strength); and at least one deployment device, which is configured to generate a force for moving the deployable shielding device from the non-deployed position to the deployed position. In some embodiments, the deployable shielding device is coupled to the portable MRI device above an imaging area of ​​the portable MRI device.

[0062] According to some aspects, a method for operating a magnetic resonance imaging device, i.e., an MRI device, is provided, wherein the MRI device is coupled to a deployable protective device, the deployable protective device comprising a plurality of arms, wherein the plurality of arms at least partially surround the following area when the deployable protective device is in a deployed position, within which area the magnetic field strength of the magnetic field generated by the MRI device is equal to or exceeds a threshold value, the method comprising: moving the deployable protective device from a non-deployed position to a deployed position, wherein: the deployable protective device further comprises at least one deployment device, the at least one deployment device being configured to generate a first force for facilitating the movement of the deployable protective device from the non-deployed position to the deployed position; after moving the deployable protective device to the deployed position, transporting the MRI device from the first position to a second position; and moving the deployable protective device from the deployed position to the non-deployed position.

[0063] In some embodiments, moving the deployable shield from the undeployed position to the deployed position includes applying a second force to only one of the plurality of arms. In some embodiments, the method further includes performing imaging using the MRI device after moving the deployable shield to the undeployed position.

[0064] According to some aspects, a deployable protective device is provided, which is configured to be coupled to a portable magnetic resonance imaging device, i.e., a portable MRI device, the deployable protective device comprising: a support member for coupling to the portable MRI device; and a plurality of arms (for example, at least 8 arms) which are coupled to the support member and, when the deployable protective device is in the deployed position, at least partially surround the following area, within which the magnetic field strength of the magnetic field generated by the portable MRI device is equal to or exceeds a threshold field strength, the plurality of arms comprising a first arm, wherein a force is applied to the first arm to move the first arm from its non-deployed position toward its deployed position so that the support member moves one or more other arms of the plurality of arms from their respective non-deployed positions toward their respective deployed positions.

[0065] In some embodiments, applying a second force to the first arm to move the first arm from its deployed position toward its undeployed position causes the support to move one or more other arms of the plurality of arms from their respective deployed positions toward their respective undeployed positions.

[0066] In some embodiments, the first end of each arm of the plurality of arms slides along the support member as the deployable guard moves between the deployed position and the undeployed position.

[0067] In some embodiments, the support is rotatable. In some embodiments, the support rotates along a track coupled to the portable MRI device. In some embodiments, the first arm of the plurality of arms comprises plastic. In some embodiments, the first arm of the plurality of arms comprises a fixed elbow between the endpoints of the first arm. In some embodiments, the first arm of the plurality of arms has a color value of at least 3.

[0068] In some embodiments, when the deployable guard is in the deployed position, the second end of the first arm overlaps a second arm of the plurality of arms. In some embodiments, the second end of the first arm is not coupled to the second arm. In some embodiments, when the deployable guard is in the deployed position, the second end of the first arm overlaps a point on the second arm between the first end and the second end of the second arm.

[0069] According to some embodiments, a system is provided, comprising: a portable magnetic resonance imaging device, i.e., a portable MRI device; and a deployable protective device coupled to the portable MRI device, the deployable protective device comprising: a support coupled to the portable MRI device; and a plurality of arms, which, when the deployable protective device is in a deployed position, at least partially surround the following area, within which the magnetic field strength of the magnetic field generated by the portable MRI device is equal to or exceeds a threshold; and wherein applying a force to the first arm to move the first arm from its non-deployed position toward its deployed position causes the support to move one or more other arms of the plurality of arms from their respective non-deployed positions toward their respective deployed positions.

[0070] In some embodiments, the magnetic field strength of the magnetic field generated by the portable MRI device within the region is in the range of from about 5 Gauss to about 70 Gauss. In some embodiments, the magnetic field generated by the portable MRI device within the region is in the range of from about 1 Gauss to about 70 Gauss.

[0071] In some embodiments, the deployable shielding device is coupled to the portable MRI device above an imaging region of the portable MRI device.

[0072] According to some aspects, a method for operating a magnetic resonance imaging device, i.e., an MRI device, is provided, wherein the MRI device is coupled to a deployable protective device, the deployable protective device comprising: a support member coupled to the MRI device; and a plurality of arms coupled to the support member and, when the deployable protective device is in a deployed position, at least partially surrounding a region in which a magnetic field strength of a magnetic field generated by the MRI device is equal to or exceeds a threshold value, the method comprising: moving the deployable protective device from the deployed position to an undeployed position, wherein the deployable protective device is configured to move between the deployed position and the undeployed position in response to a force applied to only one of the plurality of arms; performing imaging using the MRI device; and, after imaging, moving the deployable protective device from the undeployed position to the deployed position.

[0073] The above aspects and embodiments and additional aspects and embodiments are further described below. These aspects and / or embodiments may be used individually, all together or in any combination, as the present application is not limited in this regard.

[0074] For ease of explanation, embodiments of the deployable shielding device disclosed herein are described in the context of a portable POC MRI device; however, it should be understood that such shielding device may also be used in conjunction with other devices including but not limited to X-ray images, CT imaging devices, etc.

[0075] Initial reference Figure 1 , shows an exemplary portable medical imaging device 100 for use in accordance with an embodiment of the technology described herein. Figure 1 In the depicted embodiment, the portable medical imaging device 100 can be a POC MRI device that includes a B0 magnet 104 having at least one first permanent magnet 106a and at least one second permanent magnet 106b magnetically coupled to each other by an iron yoke 108, the iron yoke 108 being configured to capture and guide magnetic flux to increase the magnetic flux density within the imaging region (field of view) of the MRI device 100. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the B0 magnet 104 can be formed using an electromagnet, a laminated magnet, or a hybrid magnet. Additional information about the formation of the B0 magnet 104 can be found in U.S. Patent Publication No. US2018 / 0143274, filed on November 22, 2017, entitled “Low-Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging Methods and Apparatus” (which is incorporated herein by reference).

[0076] The medical imaging device 100 may include a low-field MRI device. As used herein, "low field" generally refers to an MRI device that operates with a B0 field of less than or equal to about 0.2T, although systems with a B0 field between 0.2T and about 0.3T are sometimes characterized as low field due to the increased field strength at the high end of the high field state. Within the low field state, a low field MRI device that operates with a B0 field of less than 0.1T is referred to herein as "very low field", and a low field MRI device that operates with a B0 field of less than 10 millitesla (mT) is referred to herein as "ultra-low field".

[0077] In some embodiments, the B0 magnet 104 can be coupled or otherwise attached or mounted to the base 110 via a positioning mechanism 112 (such as, for example, a goniometer table, etc.) so that the B0 magnet can be tilted (e.g., rotated about its center of mass) to provide a tilt to accommodate the patient's anatomy as needed. In addition to providing a (one or more) bearing structure for supporting the B0 magnet 104, the base 110 can also include an internal space or (one or more) compartments that are configured to accommodate electronic devices (not shown) for operating the portable MRI device 100. For example, the base 110 can accommodate power components for operating gradient coils (e.g., X, Y, and Z) and RF transmit / receive coils, as well as RF coil amplifiers (power amplifiers for operating the transmit / receive coils of the system), power supplies, consoles, power distribution units, and other electronic devices required to operate the MRI device.

[0078] In some embodiments, the electronic devices required to operate the portable MRI device 100 can consume less than 1kW of power, and in some embodiments, consume less than 750W of power (e.g., an MRI device using a permanent B0 magnet solution). However, a system that consumes more power can also be used because the various aspects of the technology described herein are not limited in this regard. As such, the exemplary portable MRI device 100 can be powered via a single power connector 114, which is configured to be connected to a mains power source, such as a socket that provides single-phase power (e.g., a standard or large appliance socket), etc. Therefore, the portable MRI device 100 can be plugged into a single available power socket and operated from it. Various aspects of the power system that can be used as part of the portable MRI device 100 are described in U.S. Patent Publication No. US2018 / 0143274 (which is fully included by reference) filed on November 22, 2017.

[0079] like Figure 1 Further exemplified, the portable MRI device 100 may also include a transport mechanism 116 that allows the portable MRI device 100 to be transported to different locations. The transport mechanism 116 may include one or more components that are configured to facilitate the portable MRI device 100, for example, to be moved to a location where MRI is required. According to some embodiments, the transport mechanism 116 may include a motor 118 coupled to a drive wheel 120. In this way, the transport mechanism 116 provides maneuvering assistance when transporting the MRI device 100 to a desired location. In addition, the transport mechanism 116 may also include a plurality of casters 122 to assist support and stability and facilitate transportation.

[0080] In some embodiments, the transport mechanism 116 may optionally include a motor assist controlled via a joystick (not shown) to guide the portable MRI device 100 to a desired location during transport. According to some embodiments, the transport mechanism 116 may also include a power assist mechanism that is configured to detect when a force is applied to the MRI device, and in response, engage the transport mechanism 116 to provide motor assist in the direction of the detected force. For example, the handle 124 may be configured to detect when a force (e.g., by a person pushing the handle 124) is applied to the track, and engage the transport mechanism 116 to provide motor assist in the direction of the applied force to drive the wheel 120. As a result, the user can guide the portable MRI device 100 with the assistance of the transport mechanism 116 in response to the direction of the force applied by the user.

[0081] As shown above, although the portable MRI device 100 operates at a B0 field strength that is much lower than that of conventional high-field systems, there may still be access control issues given certain fringe field strengths around the isocenter 200 of the B0 magnet 104. By way of example, Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C They are portable medical imaging devices (e.g. Figure 1 , top view, front view, and side view of the device shown in FIG. 2 . For example, the innermost region (defined by dimensions H1 and H2) may represent a 30 Gauss region, and the outermost region (defined by dimensions L1 and L2) may represent a 5 Gauss region, where the fringe field strength decreases with increasing distance from the isocenter 200. Thus, one consideration in this regard may be, for example, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 60601-2-33 standard, which defines controlled access as an area where access is controlled for safety reasons. The standard also specifies that a controlled access area around an MR device should be defined such that outside this area: 1) the magnetic fringe field strength should not exceed 0.5 mT, and 2) the electromagnetic interference level complies with IEC 60601-1-2.

[0082] Figure 2D Magnetic field strengths for fringe fields of another example magnetic resonance imaging device are illustrated according to some embodiments of the techniques described herein. In some embodiments, the portable medical imaging device may generate an asymmetric magnetic field. For example, Figure 2D As shown, the magnetic field 210 generated by the MRI device 200' is asymmetric, extending further along the x-axis than the y-axis. Therefore, the fringe field generated by the MRI device 200' (which extends beyond the imaging region of the MRI device 200') is also asymmetric.

[0083] The inventors have developed a deployable guard configured to move between an undeployed position and a deployed position. When in the deployed position, the deployable guard may at least partially surround an area in which the magnetic field strength of the magnetic field generated by the portable MRI device is equal to or exceeds a threshold field strength. In some embodiments, the deployable guard may be designed to be used with an MRI device that generates an asymmetric magnetic field (such as MRI device 200', etc.). For example, the deployable guard may be shaped to inhibit intrusion into a high-intensity asymmetric fringe field. In some embodiments, the deployable guard may include features that make it easier for the deployable guard to transition between the undeployed position and the deployed position.

[0084] Figure 3A An example deployable guard device 300 is illustrated in a deployed position according to some embodiments of the technology described herein. Figure 3AAs shown, the deployable guard device 300 includes a plurality of arms 304A-304D coupled to bases 302A-302B.

[0085] The plurality of arms of the deployable shielding device 300, when in the deployed position, at least partially surround an area 315, within which the magnetic field strength of the magnetic field generated by the portable MRI device to which the deployable shielding device is coupled equals or exceeds the threshold field strength. Thus, the plurality of arms can form a physical barrier that inhibits intrusion into the area 315. In some embodiments, the magnetic field strength of the magnetic field generated by the MRI device to which the deployable shielding device 300 is coupled within the area 315 is in the range from about 5 Gauss to about 70 Gauss. In some embodiments, the magnetic field strength of the magnetic field generated by the MRI device to which the deployable shielding device 300 is coupled within the area 315 is in the range from about 1 Gauss to about 70 Gauss.

[0086] The plurality of arms may include any suitable number of arms. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the deployable guard 300 includes four arms 304A to 304D. The deployable guard 300 may include two pairs of two arms, one pair of arms on each side of the deployable guard 300. Figure 3A As shown, the deployable guard includes a first arm 304A and a second arm 304B on a first side of the deployable guard, and a third arm 304C and a fourth arm 304D on a second side of the deployable guard.

[0087] The arms of the deployable guard 300 may comprise any suitable material. In some embodiments, the arms comprise plastic. In some embodiments, the arms comprise G-10. The deployable guard 300 may have any suitable size. In some embodiments, the size of the deployable guard may be designed so that when the deployable guard is in the undeployed position, the deployable guard can be moved through a doorway. Thus, the deployable guard may have a diameter of 32 inches or less in the undeployed position.

[0088] As described herein, the deployable shield can be configured to inhibit intrusion into the MRI device. In some embodiments, the deployable shield 300 or a portion thereof (e.g., at least some of the plurality of arms) can be colored with a bright color to maximize visibility and draw attention to the deployable shield. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the deployable shield (e.g., at least some of the plurality of arms (including the first arm)) has a value of at least 3, at least 4, at least 5, at least 6, at least 7, at least 8, at least 9, or 10 according to the Munsell color system.

[0089] Each of the arms 304A-304D can be coupled to a base 302A-302B of the deployable guard 300. Figure 3A In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the base includes two parts 302A-302B. In other embodiments, the base can include a single component. The parts of the base 302A-302B are coupled together by connecting beams 310A-310B.

[0090] Each arm 304A-304D may be coupled to one of the portions of the base 302A-302B at a first end of each respective arm. For example, the first arm 304A is coupled to the first base portion 302A at a first end 306A of the first arm 304A, the second arm 304B is coupled to the second base portion 302B at a first end 308B of the second arm 304B, the third arm 304C is coupled to the first base portion 302A at a first end 316A of the third arm 304C, and the fourth arm 304D is coupled to the second base portion 302B at a first end 318A of the fourth arm 304D. The first ends of the plurality of arms may be configured to pivot at a pivot point about the respective base portion to which the first ends are coupled, thereby allowing the plurality of arms 304A-304D to move between an undeployed position and a deployed position. Figure 3A A representative pivot point 312 is shown for the first arm 304A in the illustrated embodiment of FIG.

[0091] Each of the plurality of arms 304A to 304D further includes a second end opposite to the first end. For example, the first arm 304A includes a second end 306B opposite to the first end 306A, the second arm 304B includes a second end 308B opposite to the first end 308A, the third arm 304C includes a second end 316B opposite to the first end 316A, and the fourth arm 304D includes a second end 318B opposite to the first end 318A. The pivoting of the first ends of the plurality of arms 304A to 304D causes the second ends of the plurality of arms 304A to 304D to move toward or away from the center of the deployable guard 300.

[0092] like Figure 3A As shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3 , when the deployable protective device 300 is in the deployed position, each of the plurality of arms 304A to 304D may at least partially overlap each other. Figure 3AAs shown, the first arm 304A and the second arm 304B at least partially overlap each other, while the third arm 304C and the fourth arm 304D at least partially overlap each other. More specifically, the second end 306B of the first arm 304A overlaps the second end 308B of the second arm 304B, and the second end 316B of the third arm 304C overlaps the second end 318B of the fourth arm 318B. In some embodiments, the second end 308B of the second arm 318B may overlap the second end 306B of the first arm 304A. In some embodiments, the second end 318B of the fourth arm 304D may overlap the second end 316B of the third arm 304C.

[0093] The overlap of the multiple arms can be along an axis that is perpendicular to the plane in which the region 315 at least partially surrounded by the deployable guard 300 when in the deployed position is located. Figure 3A In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3 , the deployable guard 300 surrounds an area 315 located in the xz plane. The overlap of the various arms in the plurality of arms 304A to 304D is along the y-axis (eg, the vertical axis).

[0094] Each of the plurality of arms 304A to 304D may overlap each other without being coupled together at the overlap point. For example, the second end 306B of the first arm 304A and the second end 308B of the second arm 304B overlap but are not coupled together. The second end 316B of the third arm 304C and the second end 318B of the fourth arm 304D overlap but are not coupled together.

[0095] In some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of arms may be configured to move in response to a force on another of the plurality of arms. For example, at least two of the plurality of arms (e.g., first arm 304A and second arm 304B, third arm 304C, and fourth arm 304D) may be configured to move between the undeployed position and the deployed position in response to a force on only one of at least two of the plurality of arms. Thus, according to some aspects, the deployable guard 300 may require less user interaction to transition the deployable guard 300 between the undeployed position and the deployed position.

[0096] As described herein, a deployable guard may be designed to inhibit intrusion into an area having an asymmetric magnetic field. Thus, the deployable guard may be asymmetric and thereby form an asymmetric boundary. For example, the deployable guard may be bilaterally asymmetric. That is, the deployable guard may lack symmetry about one or more perpendicular axes (e.g., the x-axis and the z-axis). Figure 3A In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the deployable protection device 300 is asymmetric about the x-axis and the z-axis. Likewise, the deployable protection device 300 lacks rotational symmetry.

[0097] In some embodiments, at least some of the multiple arms 304A to 304D of the deployable guard 300 can be moved between the undeployed position and the deployed position without moving other arms of the multiple arms 304A to 304D between the undeployed position and the deployed position. Therefore, the deployable guard 300 can be partially deployed. For example, a pair of multiple arms (e.g., the first arm 304A and the second arm 304B) can be moved to the deployed position, while the second pair of multiple arms (e.g., the third arm 304C and the fourth arm 304D) remains in the undeployed position. The inventors have recognized that a partially deployable guard may be advantageous, for example, in a situation where the deployable guard is in a confined space but still requires the deployment of at least a portion of the deployable guard. For example, in a situation where the deployable guard is stored in a corner of a room, a portion of the deployable guard may remain in the undeployed position, while an accessible portion of the deployable guard may be in the deployed position.

[0098] FIG. 3B to FIG. 3C Additional figures illustrate deployable protection device 300. In particular, FIG. 3B to FIG. 3C An example deployable protective device 300 is illustrated, coupled to a portable magnetic resonance imaging device and in an undeployed position, according to some embodiments of the techniques described herein. FIG. 3B to FIG. 3C As shown, the plurality of arms 304A to 304D pivots about a pivot point at a first end of the plurality of arms toward a center of the deployable guard 300 to move from a deployed position to an undeployed position. In the undeployed position, each of the plurality of arms 304A to 304D overlaps each other at a point between the first end and the second end of each of the plurality of arms 304A to 304D.

[0099] Figure 3C A perspective view of a deployable shielding device 300 coupled to an MRI device 200' is illustrated. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the deployable shielding device 300 is coupled to the MRI device 200' above the imaging region 204 of the MRI device 200'. In other embodiments, the deployable shielding device 300 may be coupled to the MRI device 200' below the imaging region 204 of the MRI device 200'. In some embodiments, for example, a plurality of deployable shielding devices may be coupled to the MRI device 200', with one deployable shielding device coupled below the imaging region 204 of the MRI device 200' and one deployable shielding device 300 coupled above the imaging region 204 of the MRI device 200'.

[0100] Figure 4A Another configuration of a deployable guard 300 in a deployed position is illustrated in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein. Figure 4AIn the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3 , the base 302 of the deployable protection device 300 comprises a single part. Figure 4A In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 5 , the connecting beams 310A to 310B are arranged parallel to each other. Figure 4B Illustrate an example of an undeployed position according to some embodiments of the technology described herein. Figure 4A An example of a deployable protective device.

[0101] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C Illustrate a method for coupling to a portable magnetic resonance imaging device according to some embodiments of the technology described herein Figure 4A An example of a deployable protective device. Figure 5A The deployable protection device 300 is illustrated in a non-deployed position. FIG. 5B to FIG. 5C The deployable protection device 300 is illustrated in a deployed position.

[0102] As described herein, in some embodiments, the deployable guard device 300 can be manually moved from the non-deployed position to the deployed position and / or from the deployed position to the non-deployed position. In some embodiments, the deployable guard device 300 can be configured to automatically deploy (e.g., move from the non-deployed position to the deployed position) and / or retract (e.g., move from the deployed position to the non-deployed position). For example, as described herein, the deployable guard device 300 can include a deployment device for automatically moving the deployable guard device between the non-deployed position and the deployed position.

[0103] Fig. 6A Another example deployable guard device 600 is illustrated according to some embodiments of the technology described herein. The deployable guard device 600 can be configured to transition between an undeployed position and a deployed position. In the deployed position, the deployable guard device 600 inhibits intrusion into the portable medical imaging device. Fig. 6A In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 6 , the deployable guard 600 is shown in a deployed position.

[0104] The deployable shield 600 includes a plurality of arms 604 coupled to a support 604. When in the deployed position, the plurality of arms 604 of the deployable shield 600 at least partially surround an area 615, within which the magnetic field strength of the magnetic field generated by the portable MRI device to which the deployable shield is coupled equals or exceeds the threshold field strength. Thus, the plurality of arms 604 can form a physical barrier that inhibits intrusion into the area 615. In some embodiments, the magnetic field strength of the magnetic field generated by the MRI device to which the deployable shield 600 is coupled within the area 615 is in the range from about 5 Gauss to about 70 Gauss. In some embodiments, the magnetic field strength of the magnetic field generated by the MRI device to which the deployable shield 600 is coupled within the area 615 is in the range from about 1 Gauss to about 70 Gauss.

[0105] The plurality of arms may include any suitable number of arms. In some embodiments, the plurality of arms includes at least 4 arms, at least 6 arms, at least 8 arms, at least 10 arms, or more. Fig. 6A In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 6 , the deployable protection device 600 includes 10 arms, and the 10 arms include, for example, a first arm 604A and a second arm 604B.

[0106] Each arm 604 can be coupled to a support member 604. As described herein, the support member can include a ring. The support member can be rotatable, for example, when moving the deployable guard 300 between the undeployed position and the deployed position. 8A to 9C To illustrate further details of the rotation of support member 604.

[0107] The support 602 can be coupled to a base 608. In some embodiments, the base 608 includes a track on which the support 602 is mounted. As further shown and described herein, the base 608 can be coupled to a portable MRI device.

[0108] Each arm 604 of the deployable guard 600 can be coupled to the support 602 at a first end of each respective arm. For example, for example, the first arm 604A is coupled to the support 602 at a first end 606A of the first arm 604A, and the second arm 604B is coupled to the support 602 at a first end 607A of the second arm 604B. As described herein, the respective first end of each arm 604 in the plurality of arms can slide along the support 602, thereby allowing the plurality of arms to move between an undeployed position and a deployed position.

[0109] Each of the plurality of arms further includes a second end opposite the first end. For example, the first arm 604A includes a second end 606B opposite the first end 606A, and the second arm 604B includes a second end 607B opposite the first end 607A. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, each arm may include a fixed elbow between the first and second ends of the respective arms. The sliding of the first ends of the arms along the support 602 causes the second ends of the plurality of arms 604 to move toward or away from the center of the deployable guard 600.

[0110] The multiple arms of the deployable guard 600 can include any suitable material. In some embodiments, the multiple arms include plastic. In some embodiments, the multiple arms include G-10. The deployable guard 600 can have any suitable size. In some embodiments, the size of the deployable guard can be designed so that when the deployable guard is in the undeployed position, the deployable guard can be moved through the doorway. Therefore, the deployable guard can have a diameter of 32 inches or less in the undeployed position.

[0111] As described herein, the deployable shield can be configured to inhibit intrusion into the MRI device. In some embodiments, the deployable shield 600 or a portion thereof (e.g., at least some of the plurality of arms) can be colored with a bright color to maximize visibility and draw attention to the deployable shield. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the deployable shield (e.g., at least some of the plurality of arms (including the first arm)) has a value of at least 3, at least 4, at least 5, at least 6, at least 7, at least 8, at least 9, or 10 according to the Munsell color system.

[0112] like Fig. 6A As shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 6 , when the deployable guard 600 is in the deployed position, each of the plurality of arms may at least partially overlap each other. Fig. 6A As shown, the first arm 604A at least partially overlaps the second arm 604B. More specifically, the second end 606B of the first arm 604A overlaps the second arm 604B at a point between the first end 607A and the second end 607B of the second arm 604B.

[0113] The overlap of the multiple arms can be along an axis that is perpendicular to the plane in which the region 615 at least partially surrounded by the deployable guard 600 lies. Fig. 6A In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 6 , the deployable guard 600 surrounds an area 615 located in the xz plane. The overlap of the arms of the plurality of arms 604 is along the y-axis (eg, the vertical axis).

[0114] Individual arms in the plurality of arms 604 may overlap other arms in the plurality of arms 604 without being coupled together at the overlapping point. For example, the second end 606B of the first arm 604A overlaps the second arm 606B without being coupled to the second arm 604B at a point between the first end 607A and the second end 607B of the second arm 604B where the second end 606B of the first arm 604A overlaps.

[0115] In some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of arms can be configured to move in response to a force on another arm of the plurality of arms. For example, a force on a single arm of the plurality of arms (e.g., the first arm 604A) can cause all of the arms of the plurality of arms to move between the undeployed position and the deployed position. Thus, according to some aspects, the deployable guard 600 can require less user interaction to transition the deployable guard 600 between the undeployed position and the deployed position.

[0116] In some embodiments, the deployable guard may be rotationally symmetric. Fig. 6A As shown in the exemplary embodiment of , the deployable protection device 600 has rotational symmetry about the y-axis.

[0117] FIG. 6B to FIG. 6C Additional diagrams illustrating a deployable guard device 600 . Figure 6B Illustrate a position between a deployed position and an undeployed position according to some embodiments of the technology described herein Fig. 6A Deployable protective device. Figure 6C Illustrate an example of an undeployed position according to some embodiments of the technology described herein. Fig. 6A Deployable protective device. FIG. 6B to FIG. 6C As shown in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 6 , when the deployable guard 600 moves from the deployed position to the non-deployed position, the first ends of the plurality of arms slide along the support member 602 and the second ends of the plurality of arms move toward the center of the deployable guard.

[0118] FIG. 7A to FIG. 7C 1. An example of a device coupled to a portable magnetic resonance imaging device 100 according to some embodiments of the techniques described herein Fig. 6A Deployable protective device. Fig. 7A The deployable guard 600 is illustrated in a deployed position. FIG. 7B to FIG. 7C The deployable guard is illustrated in a non-deployed position.

[0119] like FIG. 7A to FIG. 7C As shown in the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the deployable shielding device 600 is coupled to the MRI apparatus 100 above the imaging region 104 of the MRI apparatus 100. In other embodiments, the deployable shielding device 600 may be coupled to the MRI apparatus 100 below the imaging region 104 of the MRI apparatus 100. In some embodiments, for example, a plurality of deployable shielding devices may be coupled to the MRI apparatus 100, one of which is coupled below the imaging region 104 of the MRI apparatus 100, and one of which is coupled above the imaging region 104 of the MRI apparatus 100.

[0120] like Figure 7B As shown, the base 608 of the deployable shielding device 600 can be coupled to the MRI device 100. The base 608 can be arranged below the multiple arms of the deployable shielding device 600 and the support member 602 of the deployable shielding device. In some embodiments, the deployable shielding device 600 further includes a cover 610, which is arranged above the multiple arms of the deployable shielding device 600 and is configured to at least partially accommodate the multiple arms of the deployable shielding device 600 when the deployable shielding device 600 is in the non-deployed position.

[0121] 8A to 9C Various aspects of support 602 are illustrated. Fig. 8A A support 602 of a deployable protective device 600 is illustrated. FIG. 8B to FIG. 9CVarious aspects of coupling a deployable guard 600 to a support 602 are illustrated in accordance with some embodiments of the technology described herein.

[0122] like FIG. 8B to FIG. 9C As shown, a plurality of arms are coupled to support member 602 . Fig.9A The illustrated first arm 604A is coupled to the support 602 at the first end 606A of the first arm 604A. The first end 606A of the first arm 604A includes an opening 900, wherein the first fastener 902 is inserted into the opening 900. In some embodiments, the first fastener 902 may include a screw. The first fastener 902 is attached to the support 602. The size of the opening 900 is designed to allow the first fastener 902 to slide within the opening 900 (e.g., between the end points of the opening 900). Therefore, the first arm 904 is able to slide along the support 602.

[0123] In some embodiments, the first arm 604A can be coupled to the base 608. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the first arm 604A is coupled to the base 608 via a second fastener 903. In some embodiments, the second fastener 903 includes a screw. The second fastener 903 can include a spacer 612 for spacing the first arm 604A from the base 608.

[0124] 9A to 9C An example of a deployable protective device moving from a deployed position to a non-deployed position Fig. 6A In particular, Fig.9A Components of a deployable guard 600 are illustrated in a deployed position. Fig. 9B Components of the deployable guard 600 are illustrated in a position between the undeployed position and the deployed position. Fig. 9C Components of a deployable protective device are illustrated in a non-deployed position.

[0125] When the deployable guard 600 is in the deployed position, the first fastener 902 is at the end of the opening in the first arm 604A. As the deployable guard 600 moves toward the deployed position, as shown in FIG. Fig. 9B As shown, the first fastener 902 moves toward the opposite end of the opening 900. As the first fastener 902 moves, the support member 602 slides along the track of the base 608, and the first arm 604 rotates around the first fastener 902. Fig. 9C As shown, the first arm 604 continues to rotate about the first fastener 902 , and the first fastener 902 returns to its original position at the end point of the opening 900 .

[0126] As described herein, when the first arm 604A moves between the undeployed position and the deployed position, the support 602 pivots along the track of the base 608. The deployable guard 600 may include at least one bearing 906 that may be coupled to the base 906 to facilitate the rotation of the support 602. The fasteners coupling other arms of the plurality of arms to the support 602 are moved due to the rotation of the support 602. In turn, the other arms of the plurality of arms can transition between the undeployed position and the deployed position only in response to a force on the first arm 604A.

[0127] Thus, in some embodiments, the movement of one arm of the deployable guard 600 affects the movement of (one or more than one) other arms of the deployable guard 600. In other embodiments, the movement of at least some of the arms of the deployable guard may be decoupled from each other. For example, in some embodiments, the movement of one arm of the deployable guard 600 may not move the second arm of the deployable guard. In some embodiments, at least some of the arms of the deployable guard 600 may move between the undeployed position and the deployed position without moving other arms of the plurality of arms between the undeployed position and the deployed position. Thus, the deployable guard 600 can be partially deployed. For example, at least one of the arms of the deployable guard 600 may move to the deployed position, while at least one second arm remains in the undeployed position. As described herein, the inventors have recognized that a partially deployable guard may be advantageous, for example, in a situation where the deployable guard is in a confined space but the deployment of at least a portion of the deployable guard is still desired. For example, where the deployable guard device is stored in a corner of a room, a portion of the deployable guard device may remain in the undeployed position while an accessible portion of the deployable guard device may be in the deployed position.

[0128] In some embodiments, the transition between the undeployed position and the deployed position can be automatic. For example, the automatic rotation of the support ring 602 can automatically move the deployable guard 600 between the undeployed position and the deployed position. Therefore, in some embodiments, the deployable guard 600 can be configured to automatically deploy (e.g., move from the undeployed position to the deployed position) and / or retract (e.g., move from the deployed position to the undeployed position). For example, as described herein, the deployable guard 600 may include a deployment device for automatically moving the deployable guard between the undeployed position and the deployed position. In some embodiments, the deployable guard 600 can be manually moved from the undeployed position to the deployed position and / or from the deployed position to the undeployed position.

[0129] Fig.10Deployment devices for automatically moving a deployable guard device from an undeployed position to a deployed position are illustrated according to some embodiments of the technology described herein. As described herein, deployable guard devices including deployable guard devices 300, 600 may include features that facilitate transition of the deployable guard device between the undeployed position and the deployed position. Fig.10 An example deployment device 1000 is illustrated that is configured to generate a force to facilitate moving a deployable guard device from an undeployed position to a deployed position.

[0130] In some embodiments, the deployment device 1000 may include a fixed portion 1004A coupled to the following components of the deployable protective device (e.g., base 302, base 608), which does not move when the deployable protective device transitions between the undeployed position and the deployed position. The deployment device 1000 may further include a movable portion 1004B coupled to at least one arm of the deployable protective device. The movable portion 1004B is configured to move toward and away from the fixed portion 1004A. That is, the deployment device 1000 can expand when the movable portion 1004B moves away from the fixed portion 1004A, and contract when the movable portion 1004B moves toward the fixed portion 1004A. Fig.10 In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1 , the deployment device 1000 is in the expanded position. Furthermore, the arm of the deployable protection device to which the movable portion 1004B is coupled is configured to automatically move toward and away from the component to which the fixed portion 1004A is coupled via the deployment device.

[0131] The deployment device further includes a deployment component configured to automatically return the deployment device 1000 to the expanded position. Thus, the deployment component is configured to automatically move the arm to which the movable portion 1004B is coupled away from the component to which the fixed portion 1004A of the deployable guard is coupled. Furthermore, the deployment component includes components for automatically moving the deployable guard from the non-deployed position to the deployed position.

[0132] In some embodiments, the deployment component can be hydraulic. In some embodiments, the deployment component can be pneumatic. In some embodiments, the deployment component can be mechanical and / or electromechanical (e.g., including a programmable control and one or more motors). In some embodiments, the deployment component can include a torsion spring 1002. The force on the movable portion 1004B causes the torsion spring 1002 to turn inward, thereby establishing potential energy. When the force is removed, the accumulated potential energy causes the torsion spring 1002 to turn outward, thereby returning the movable portion 1004B to the extended position. In some embodiments, the deployment component can also include a damper 1006, which is used to provide resistance against the torsion spring 1002 to reduce the magnitude of the force that returns the movable portion 1004B to the extended position.

[0133] Fig.11 A method for imaging using a magnetic resonance imaging device coupled to a deployable shielding device according to some embodiments of the technology described herein is illustrated. The method 1100 may begin with act 1102, at which a deployable shielding device coupled to the MRI device is moved from a deployed position to a non-deployed position. In some embodiments, the deployable shielding device includes at least one deployment device configured to generate a first force to facilitate moving the deployable shielding device from the non-deployed position to the deployed position, and moving the deployable shielding device from the non-deployed position to the deployed position includes: applying a second force to only one of the plurality of arms.

[0134] Optionally, method 1100 may proceed to act 1104. At act 1104, imaging using the MRI device may be performed. Subsequently, method 1100 may proceed to act 1106. At act 1106, the deployable shielding device may be moved from the non-deployed position to the deployed position. In some embodiments, the MRI device may be transported to a second location after the deployable shielding device is moved to the deployed position.

[0135] The techniques described herein may be embodied in any of the following configurations:

[0136] (1) A deployable protective device configured to be coupled to a portable magnetic resonance imaging device, i.e., a portable MRI device, the deployable protective device comprising: a plurality of arms for at least partially surrounding a region in which a magnetic field strength generated by the portable MRI device equals or exceeds a threshold field strength when the deployable protective device is in a deployed position; and at least one deployment device configured to generate a force for moving the deployable protective device from a non-deployed position to the deployed position.

[0137] (2) The deployable protective device of (1), wherein the at least one deployment device comprises a torsion spring.

[0138] (3) The deployable protective device of (1) or (2), wherein the at least one deployment device comprises a respective deployment device coupled to each of the plurality of arms.

[0139] (4) The deployable shielding device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the deployable shielding device is radially asymmetric.

[0140] (5) The deployable shielding device according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the deployable shielding device is bilaterally asymmetric.

[0141] (6) The deployable guard device of any one of (1) to (5), wherein at least a portion of the plurality of arms are movable to the deployed position while other arms of the plurality of arms remain in the non-deployed position.

[0142] (7) An expandable protective device according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the multiple arms include a first arm and a second arm; and when the expandable protective device is in the expanded position, the first arm and the second arm at least partially overlap each other in space.

[0143] (8) The deployable protective device of (7), wherein the first arm and the second arm are not coupled together at a point where the first arm and the second arm at least partially overlap each other.

[0144] (9) The deployable guard device of (7), wherein when the deployable guard device is in the deployed position, the first end of the first arm overlaps the first end of the second arm.

[0145] (10) The deployable protective device of any one of (1) to (9), wherein the plurality of arms includes at least four arms.

[0146] (11) A deployable protective device according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein at least two of the multiple arms are configured to move from the deployed position to the non-deployed position in response to a force applied to only one of the at least two arms of the multiple arms.

[0147] (12) A deployable protective device according to any one of (1) to (11), wherein at least two of the multiple arms are configured to move from the non-deployed position to the deployed position in response to a force applied to only one of the at least two arms of the multiple arms.

[0148] (13) A deployable guard device according to (2), wherein the at least one deployment device is configured to automatically return the deployable guard device to the deployed position in response to a force applied to the deployable guard device toward the non-deployed position.

[0149] (14) A deployable protective device configured to be coupled to a portable magnetic resonance imaging device, i.e., a portable MRI device, the deployable protective device comprising: a plurality of arms for at least partially surrounding a region in which a magnetic field strength generated by the portable MRI device equals or exceeds a threshold field strength when the deployable protective device is in a deployed position; and at least one deployment component for moving the deployable protective device from a non-deployed position to the deployed position.

[0150] (15) The deployable guard device of (14), wherein the at least one deployment member comprises a respective deployment member for each of the plurality of arms.

[0151] (16) The deployable shielding device according to any one of (14) or (15), wherein the deployable shielding device is radially asymmetric.

[0152] (17) The deployable protection device according to any one of (14) to (16), wherein the deployable protection device is bilaterally asymmetric.

[0153] (18) The deployable protective device of any one of (14) to (17), wherein at least a portion of the plurality of arms are capable of moving to the deployed position while other arms of the plurality of arms remain in the non-deployed position.

[0154] (19) An expandable protective device according to any one of (14) to (18), wherein the multiple arms include a first arm and a second arm, and when the expandable protective device is in the expanded position, the first arm and the second arm at least partially overlap each other in space.

[0155] (20) The deployable protective device of (19), wherein the first arm and the second arm are not coupled together at a point where the first arm and the second arm at least partially overlap each other.

[0156] (21) The deployable guard device of (19), wherein when the deployable guard device is in the deployed position, the first end of the first arm overlaps the first end of the second arm.

[0157] (22) The deployable protective device of any one of (14) to (21), wherein the plurality of arms comprises at least four arms.

[0158] (23) An deployable protective device according to any one of (14) to (22), wherein at least two of the multiple arms are configured to move from the deployed position to the non-deployed position in response to a force applied to only one of the at least two arms of the multiple arms.

[0159] (24) An expandable protective device according to any one of (14) to (23), wherein at least two of the multiple arms are configured to move from the non-expanded position to the deployed position in response to a force applied to only one of the at least two arms of the multiple arms.

[0160] (25) A system comprising: a portable magnetic resonance imaging device, i.e., a portable MRI device; and a deployable protective device coupled to the portable MRI device, the deployable protective device comprising: a plurality of arms for at least partially surrounding a region in which a magnetic field strength generated by the portable MRI device equals or exceeds a threshold field strength when the deployable protective device is in a deployed position; and at least one deployment device configured to generate a force for moving the deployable protective device from a non-deployed position to the deployed position.

[0161] (26) The system of (25), wherein a magnetic field strength of the magnetic field generated by the portable MRI device within the region is in a range from about 5 Gauss to about 70 Gauss.

[0162] (27) The system of (25) or (26), wherein the magnetic field strength of the magnetic field generated by the portable MRI device within the region is in the range of from about 1 Gauss to about 70 Gauss.

[0163] (28) A system according to any one of (25) to (27), wherein the deployable protective device is coupled to the portable MRI device above an imaging area of ​​the portable MRI device.

[0164] (29) A method for operating a magnetic resonance imaging device, i.e., an MRI device, wherein the MRI device is coupled to a deployable protective device, the deployable protective device comprising a plurality of arms, the plurality of arms being used to at least partially surround a region in which the magnetic field strength of a magnetic field generated by the MRI device is equal to or exceeds a threshold value when the deployable protective device is in a deployed position, the method comprising: moving the deployable protective device from a non-deployed position to a deployed position, wherein the deployable protective device further comprises at least one deployment device, the at least one deployment device being configured to generate a first force for facilitating the movement of the deployable protective device from the non-deployed position to the deployed position; after moving the deployable protective device to the deployed position, transporting the MRI device from the first position to a second position; and moving the deployable protective device from the deployed position to the non-deployed position.

[0165] (30) The method of (29), wherein moving the deployable guard from the undeployed position to the deployed position includes applying a second force to only one of the plurality of arms.

[0166] (31) The method according to (30) also includes: after moving the deployable protective device to the non-deployed position, using the MRI device to perform imaging.

[0167] (32) A deployable protective device configured to couple to a portable magnetic resonance imaging device, i.e., a portable MRI device, the deployable protective device comprising: a support member for coupling to the portable MRI device; and a plurality of arms coupled to the support member and, when the deployable protective device is in a deployed position, at least partially surrounding a region within which a magnetic field strength of a magnetic field generated by the portable MRI device is equal to or exceeds a threshold field strength, the plurality of arms comprising a first arm, wherein a force is applied to the first arm to move the first arm from its undeployed position toward its deployed position so that the support member moves one or more other arms of the plurality of arms from their respective undeployed positions toward their respective deployed positions.

[0168] (33) An deployable protective device according to (32), wherein a second force is applied to the first arm to move the first arm from its deployed position toward its non-deployed position so that the support member causes one or more other arms of the multiple arms to move from their respective deployed positions toward their respective non-deployed positions.

[0169] (34) An expandable protective device according to (32) or (33), wherein the first end of each arm of the plurality of arms slides along the support member when the expandable protective device moves between the expanded position and the non-expanded position.

[0170] (35) The deployable protective device according to any one of (32) to (34), wherein the support member is rotatable.

[0171] (36) The deployable protective device of (35), wherein the support member rotates along a track coupled to the portable MRI device.

[0172] (37) The deployable protective device of any one of (32) to (36), wherein the first arm of the plurality of arms comprises plastic.

[0173] (38) The deployable protective device of any one of (32) to (37), wherein the first arm of the plurality of arms includes a fixed elbow between endpoints of the first arm.

[0174] (39) The deployable protective device of any one of (32) to (38), wherein the first arm of the plurality of arms has a color value of at least 3.

[0175] (40) The deployable protective device according to any one of (32) to (39), wherein, when the deployable protective device is in the deployed position, the second end of the first arm overlaps with the second arm of the plurality of arms.

[0176] (41) The deployable protective device of (35), wherein the second end of the first arm is not coupled to the second arm.

[0177] (42) An expandable protective device according to (35), wherein, when the expandable protective device is in the expanded position, the second end of the first arm overlaps with a point on the second arm between the first end and the second end of the second arm.

[0178] (43) The deployable protective device of any one of (32) to (42), wherein the plurality of arms comprises at least 8 arms.

[0179] (44) A system comprising: a portable magnetic resonance imaging device, i.e., a portable MRI device; and a deployable protective device coupled to the portable MRI device, the deployable protective device comprising: a support member coupled to the portable MRI device; and a plurality of arms which, when the deployable protective device is in a deployed position, at least partially surround a region in which a magnetic field strength of a magnetic field generated by the portable MRI device is equal to or exceeds a threshold value, and wherein a force is applied to a first arm to move the first arm from its undeployed position toward its deployed position so that the support member moves one or more other arms of the plurality of arms from their respective undeployed positions toward their respective deployed positions.

[0180] (45) The system of (44), wherein the magnetic field strength of the magnetic field generated by the portable MRI device within the region is in the range of from about 5 Gauss to about 70 Gauss.

[0181] (46) The system of (44) or (45), wherein the magnetic field strength of the magnetic field generated by the portable MRI device within the region is in the range of from about 1 Gauss to about 70 Gauss.

[0182] (47) A system according to any one of (44) to (46), wherein the deployable protective device is coupled to the portable MRI device above an imaging area of ​​the portable MRI device.

[0183] (48) A method for operating a magnetic resonance imaging device, i.e., an MRI device, wherein the MRI device is coupled to a deployable protective device, the deployable protective device comprising: a support member coupled to the MRI device; and a plurality of arms coupled to the support member and, when the deployable protective device is in a deployed position, at least partially surrounding a region in which a magnetic field strength of a magnetic field generated by the MRI device is equal to or exceeds a threshold value, the method comprising: moving the deployable protective device from a deployed position to a non-deployed position, wherein the deployable protective device is configured to move between the deployed position and the non-deployed position in response to a force applied to only one of the plurality of arms; performing imaging using the MRI device; and after imaging, moving the deployable protective device from the non-deployed position to the deployed position.

[0184] The above-described embodiments can be implemented in any of a number of ways. For example, the embodiments are implemented using hardware, software, or a combination thereof. When implemented in software, the software code can be executed on any suitable processor (e.g., microprocessor) or processor set, whether it is arranged in a single computing device or distributed between multiple computing devices. It should be understood that any component or component set that performs the functions described above can generally be considered to be one or more controllers that control the functions discussed above. The one or more controllers can be implemented in a number of ways (such as using dedicated hardware, or using general-purpose hardware (e.g., one or more processors) that is programmed using microcode or software to perform the functions described above, etc.).

[0185] In this regard, it should be understood that one implementation of the embodiments described herein includes at least one computer-readable storage medium (e.g., RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassette, tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage device, or other tangible non-transitory computer-readable storage medium) encoded with a computer program (i.e., a plurality of executable instructions) that performs the functions of one or more of the embodiments discussed above when executed on one or more processors. The computer-readable medium may be transportable so that the program stored thereon can be loaded onto any computing device to implement various aspects of the technology discussed herein. In addition, it should be understood that reference to a computer program that performs any of the functions discussed above when executed is not limited to an application program running on a host computer. Instead, the terms computer program and software are used herein in a general sense to reference any type of computer code (e.g., application software, firmware, microcode, or any other form of computer instructions) that can be used to program one or more processors to implement various aspects of the technology discussed herein.

[0186] The various aspects of the present invention may be used alone, in combination, or in various arrangements not specifically discussed in the foregoing embodiments, and are therefore not limited in their application to the details and arrangements of the components set forth in the foregoing description or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. For example, the aspects described in one embodiment may be combined in any manner with the aspects described in other embodiments.

[0187] In addition, the present invention may be embodied as a method for which examples have been provided. The actions performed as part of the method may be ordered in any suitable manner. Therefore, even if shown as sequential actions in the illustrative embodiments, embodiments may be constructed in which the actions are performed in a different order than that illustrated, which may include performing some actions simultaneously.

[0188] The use of ordinal terms such as "first", "second", "third", etc. to modify claim elements in the claims does not itself imply any priority, precedence or order of one claim element relative to another claim element, or the temporal order of the actions of the method, but rather these ordinal terms are merely used as labels to distinguish one claim element with a certain name from another element with the same name (but for the purpose of using the ordinal terms) to distinguish these claim elements.

[0189] In addition, the words and terms used herein are for the purpose of explanation and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including", "comprising" or "having", "containing", "involving" and their variations herein is intended to cover the items listed thereafter and their equivalents as well as additional items.

[0190] In the claims and in the above description, all transitional phrases such as "comprising," "including," "carrying," "having," "containing," "involving," "holding," and "comprising" shall be understood to be open-ended, i.e., meaning including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of" shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively.

[0191] The terms "approximately," "substantially," and "about" may be used in some embodiments to mean within ±20% of a target value, in some embodiments to mean within ±10% of a target value, in some embodiments to mean within ±5% of a target value, and in some embodiments to mean within ±2% of a target value. The terms "approximately" and "about" may include the target value.

[0192] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0193] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 298,542, filed on January 11, 2022, entitled “DEPLOYABLE GUARD FOR PORTABLE MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING DEVICES,” under 35 U.S.C. 119, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Claims

1. A deployable protective device configured to be coupled to a portable magnetic resonance imaging device, i.e., a portable MRI device, the deployable protective device comprising: a plurality of arms for at least partially surrounding a region within which a magnetic field strength of a magnetic field generated by the portable MRI device equals or exceeds a threshold field strength when the deployable shield is in the deployed position; as well as At least one deployment device is configured to generate a force to facilitate moving the deployable containment device from the undeployed position to the deployed position.

2. The deployable protection device according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one deployment device comprises a torsion spring.

3. The deployable protection device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The at least one deployment device includes a respective deployment device coupled to each of the plurality of arms.

4. The deployable protection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The deployable shield is radially asymmetric.

5. The deployable protection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The deployable protection device is bilaterally asymmetric.

6. The deployable protection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: At least a portion of the plurality of arms are moveable to the deployed position while other arms of the plurality of arms remain in the undeployed position.

7. The deployable protection device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The plurality of arms include a first arm and a second arm; as well as When the deployable guard is in the deployed position, the first arm and the second arm at least partially spatially overlap each other.

8. The deployable protection device according to claim 7, wherein: The first arm and the second arm are not coupled together at a point where the first arm and the second arm at least partially overlap each other.

9. The deployable protection device according to claim 7, wherein: When the deployable guard is in the deployed position, the first end of the first arm overlaps the first end of the second arm.

10. The deployable protection device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The plurality of arms includes at least four arms.

11. The deployable protection device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: At least two of the plurality of arms are configured to move from the deployed position to the non-deployed position in response to a force on only one of the at least two of the plurality of arms.

12. The deployable protection device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: At least two of the plurality of arms are configured to move from the undeployed position to the deployed position in response to a force on only one of the at least two of the plurality of arms.

13. The deployable protection device according to claim 2, wherein: The at least one deployment device is configured to automatically return the deployable guard device to the deployed position in response to a force on the deployable guard device toward the undeployed position.

14. A system comprising: A portable magnetic resonance imaging device is a portable MRI device; as well as A deployable shielding device coupled to the portable MRI device, the deployable shielding device comprising: a plurality of arms for at least partially surrounding a region within which a magnetic field strength of a magnetic field generated by the portable MRI device equals or exceeds a threshold field strength when the deployable shield is in the deployed position; as well as At least one deployment device is configured to generate a force to facilitate moving the deployable containment device from the undeployed position to the deployed position.

15. A method for operating a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus, the MRI apparatus being coupled to a deployable shielding device, the deployable shielding device comprising a plurality of arms, the plurality of arms being configured to at least partially surround a region within which a magnetic field strength of a magnetic field generated by the MRI apparatus equals or exceeds a threshold value when the deployable shielding device is in a deployed position, the method comprising: moving the deployable protective device from the non-deployed position to the deployed position, Wherein, the deployable protection device further comprises at least one deployment device, and the at least one deployment device is configured to generate a first force for facilitating the deployment protection device to move from the non-deployed position to the deployed position; After moving the deployable shielding device to the deployed position, transporting the MRI device from the first location to the second location; and The deployable guard is moved from the deployed position to the undeployed position.

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